Systematic List for 1994 Tristart Ap Rheiriallt 6 Little Ringed Plover on Islay, 16 May 1983 - the Sole Argyll Record J.C.B

The Eleventh ARGYLL BIRD REPORT with Systematic List for the year 1994

. Edited by J.C.A. Craik Assisted by T. ap Rheinallt Systematic List by T. ap Rheinallt Cover picture by L. J. Craik

Published by the Argyll Bird Club (Recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity) October 1995 (Copyright, Argyll Bird Club)

1 Argyll Bird Club The Argyll Bird Club was formed in 1985 and aims to play an active role in the promotion of ornithology and conservation in Argyll, in the District of Argyll and Bute, and in Strathclyde Region. The club has steadily built up its membership to the present level of around 170. One day-long meeting is held in the spring and another in the autumn. These include talks, scientific papers and field trips. Conferences on selected topics are also organised ociasionaliy. In 1986,the club held its first conference, a successful meeting between foresters and bird conservationists. This was followed, in 1987, by a memorable two-day conference in Oban on fish farming and the environment. The club has close contacts with other conservation groups, both locally and nationally, including the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Scottish Ornithologists’Club and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The club promotes a greater interest in birds by participation in various recording schemes. Members receive four newsletters a year as well as the annual Argyll Bird Report. The report is distributed free to all members (one per family membership) and is the major publication of the club. Much of the annual subscription is used to pay for the report and newsletters. Corporate membership of the club is also available to hotels, companies and other bodies wishing to support bird conservation in Argyll. If you would like to join the Argyll Bird Club, please write to the Membership Secretary for details (page 3). Subscriptions start on January 1 and include the newsletters and Argyll Bird Report published during the year. Back copies of most earlier reports are available from Nigel Scriven (address page 3).

2 Argyll Bird Club - Officials and Committee 1994195

Chairman: R.A. Broad, 6 Birch Road, Killearn, 'Glasgow G63 9SQ. Secretary: Dr J.A. McCulloch, Camus Beag, Lochgair, Lochgilphead PA31 8SD. Treasurer: Fiona Mutch, 3 Dhu Loch, Shore Road, Kilmun, Dunoon PA23 8SB. Membership Secretary: Dr J.A. McCulloch (address above). Committee: Dr T. ap Rheinallt, R.A. Broad, R.A. Clarke, Dr J.C.A. Craik, H. Embleton, D.C.Jardine, M. Madders, Dr J.A. McCulloch, E Mutch, Dr S.J. Petty, M. Sampson, N.J. Scriven. Argyll Bird Records Committee : Dr T. ap Rheinallt, R.A. Broad, D.C. Jardine, Dr A.R. Jennings, Dr M.A. Ogilvie. Editor of Argyll Bird Report: Dr J.C.A. Craik, Scottish Association for Marine Science, P.O. Box 3, Oban PA34 4AD. Editor of Newsletter (The Eider): R.A. Clarke, Inverlussa Hobse, Achnamara, Lochgilphead PA3 1 8PT.

Other useful addresses

. S.O.C. Recorder for Argyll: Dr T. ap Rheinallt, 19 Shore Street, Port Wemyss, Isle of Islay PA47 7ST. Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Organiser for Argyll: Dr M.A. Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN. B.T.O. Representatives for Argyll: North Argyll including Mull, Coll'and Tiree: M. Madders, Camduncan, Gruinart, Bridgend, Isle of Islay PA44 7PS. Islay, Jura and Colonsay: Dr M.A. Ogilvie (address above). R.S.P.B. Conservation Officer in North Strathclyde: R.A. Broad (address above).

Further copies of this report can be obtained from: N.J. Scriven, Ardentinny Centre, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8TR. Price 24 including postage. Most previous annual reports of the Club are also available at the same price.

3 Contents

Editorial J.C.A. Craik 5 Systematic List for 1994 Tristart ap Rheiriallt 6 Little Ringed Plover on Islay, 16 May 1983 - the sole Argyll record J.C.B. Shiites arid T. up Rlieinallt 92 Productivity of divers nesting on artificial rafts in Argyll David Merrie 95 Birds recorded in the area around Ledaig Point, near Oban, in the years 1982-1994 A.R. Jeririirigs 98

4 Editorial I~ The year 1994 was a good one for ornithology in Argyll. Several productive and worthwhile programmes of work deserve mention here: for example, the complete ' survey by the RSPB of breeding birds on the large area of the Rhinns of Islay, and the repeat survey by SNH of breeding waders on the proposed Special Protection Areal ' proposed RAMSAR site on Tiree. These projects underscore the need by conservation bodies for basic, quantitative, up-to-date information. However, perhaps the most . imaginative and successful project is the continuing Corncrake Initiative in the Inner Hebrides, in which payments are made to crofters and farmers to manage their land in a way that stops the killing by agricultural machinery of broods of young Corncrakes. The disastrous, near terminal decline of this unfortunate species appears to have been halted and reversed, in one tiny part of its former range, and at one minute to midnight. Congratulations qedue to the RSPB and the crofters concerned for this superb co-operative work. Most of this report is based on the contributions of single individuals-, as is made clear from the long list on p. 6. Many thanks to all of them, but perhaps special thanks are due to Tristan ap Rheinallt and Eddie Maguire for hundreds of hours of seawatching at their remote outposts, and to David Merrie for decades of work on the Diver Raft Project (see his article on p. 95). This report also documents the satisfactory rate of return of the Osprey to Argyll. In 1994 a record three pairs bred successfully and reared eight young, while good numbers of non-breeders promise well for the future. As usual, the Systematic List forms by far the largest part of this report. We all owe a great debt to the County Recorder, Tristan ap Rheinallt, for his painstaking and detailed work throughout the year in compiling this List. Tristan draws attention to four areas of Argyll - Gigha, Jura, Lismore and North Argyll - from which he receives comparatively few records. Please would residents and visitors to these areas make special efforts to remedy this; I know Tristan will be delighted to receive records of even the commonest species. See p. 8 of the Systematic List for instructions on how to submit reports. Many thanks also to all the other contributors to this issue of the Argyll Bird Report and to Harlequin Press for their courtesy, efficiency and attention to detail. If you have an idea for an article in the next issue, please hesitate no longer! Contributions are welcome. J. C. A. Craik Editor of Argyll Bird Report October 1995

5 Argyll Bird Report (1995) 11: 6-91 Systematic list for 1994 nistan ap Rheinallt 19 Shore Street, Port Wemyss, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA47 7ST

INTRODUCTION As last year, several compilers have contributed to the systematic list. They are Roger Broad (raptors and breeding Schedule 1 species), David Jardine (passerines), Mike Madders (Hen Harrier) and Malcolm Ogilvie (wildfowl). I have dealt with waders, seabirds, and all remaining species, and have also edited the systematic list as a whole. Any errors are therefore entirely my responsibility.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to all contributors who submitted records for this report. A full list of contributors appears below; apologies will be due to any observer whose name has been inadvertently omitted. Comprehensive reports or extensive sets of observations for specific areas were made available by Jackie Bradfield (Mull), John and Pamela Clarke (Colonsay), Gwen Evans (Tiree), John Halliday (Taynish NNR and Moine Mhor NNR), David and Janet Jardine (Colonsay), Eddie Maguire (Machrihanish area), Malcolm Ogilvie (Islay), Mike Peacock and Andy Knight (Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve and Islay WeBS counts), and Gordon Scott (Oban area). I am indebted to Roger Broad, Clive Craik, David Jardine, Eddie Maguire and Malcolm Ogilvie for commenting on a draft version of the text.

CONTRIBUTORS IN 1994 D Anderson, G Anderson, T ap Rheinallt, Argyll Raptor Study Group, M Askew, P Atherton, P F Atherton, M J Bagley, S Banks, D Batty, P Batty, Birdline Scotland, J Blackburn, J Blatcher, V Blaxter, M Bleaney, I Bousted, J Bradfield, N P Bray, S Breasley, S Brennan, R A Broad, D Brown, M Brown, N Brown, Nigel Brown, K Butterworth, J Cairnduff, C Cameron, A Campbell, P Campbell, W Campbell, S Carmichael, B Carrins, P Cashman, C Challen, J Chalmers, J Clarke, P M Clarke, R A Clarke, E Clarkson, A Colling, C Conder, J Conder, R J Cook, Cowal Natural History Society, R Craig, J C A Craik, L Crossan, P Currie, D A Study Tours, S Dailly, ADavenhill, D FDavidson, H Davidson, Mrs Davidson, M Davison, J Dawson, Mr Dawson, M de Klee, E Dishon, I Draper, S Eaves, J Eccles, S Eccles, W M Edgar, D Edwards, H Embleton, B Emms, AEvans, D Evans, G Evans, R J Evans, W Farrelly, C J Fergusson, Fife Bird Club, M Finn, Forest Enterprise, Forestry Authority, P A Fraser, A French, J Gardner, S Gibson, D Gilbert, J Gilbert, Mr Gladwin, T Godson, P Gooding, R Gooding, T Goodwin, E A Graham, E Grandjean, M J Gregory, D C Grindrod, J M Grindrod, R Gulliver, B Halliday, J Halliday, J Hampshire, P Hampson,

6 Map showing the areas of Argyll used in this Report

7 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 M Harding, N Harding, F Harmer, J M Harrison, G Herrieven, C Heyworth, P Hirsch, A Hogg, J Hogg, R Holz, D Hopkins, W Hubbard, L Hughes, D Hunt, D C Jardine, E A Jardine, J Jardine, AR Jennings, AA Johnson, C M Johnson, R Johnston, T Johnston, A M Kahane, P Kenyon, A C Knight, J Kyle, S Laing, R Leishman, D Lewis, R Lilley, C Little, Loch Gruinart RSPB Reserve staff & volunteers, Ms Lopez, E MacCallum, R McGowan, C J McInairnie, M Macintyre, A MacKenzie, R McKenzie, E McLean, G MacLellan, Machrihanish Seabird Observatory 1994 Report, M Madders, E J Maguire, D Mann, J Martin, A Mawdsley, A Meakin, D Merrie, H Merrie, A Middleton, Milbuie Log 1994, I Miller, A J Milne, J Mitchell, A Moody, T Moody, S Morris, C W Murphy, A Murray, B Nattress, G Newall, A R Newton, P Newton, T Nightingale, R G Nisbett, MA Ogilvie, B Orr, D Orr-Ewing, G Owens, R Paget, S Palin, M APeacock, APearson, S J Petty, APlackett, J Plackett, G Pollinger, R Pollitt, E D Potter, C Prentice, J Price, D Primrose, L Primrose, J W Proudlock, M Renstead, S Richardson, T Richardson, A M Riley, H Riley, P Roberts, C Roe, I Rowlands, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, A Russell, N N Russell, M Sampson, D Scott, G Scott, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, N Scriven, C Self, AShaw, P Shaw, J Shepherd, M Shepherd, PShepherd, M J Staley, PTStaley, N Taylor, M Thomas, D Torney, M Torney, D Travis, B Trevis, D J Trigg, VTulloch, C W Turner, G Tyler, J van’t Leven, J Vickerman,D Walker, D I M Wallace, R Wergan, S Wergan, A West, P Whittaker, D M T Whittle, J Whitworth, R D R Williams, D Wolstencroft, P Wolstenholme, D Woodhouse, G Yates, I Yuil.

BIRD RECORDING IN ARGYLL Advice to contributors Records in 1994 showed a welcome increase over the previous year. However, many areas are still under-represented in the systematic list that follows, particularly Gigha, Jura, Lismore and North Argyll. It should be emphasised that many of the rarer breeding birds (e.g. divers, Little Tern) are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and their breeding sites should be avoided. \The studies described below for such species have all been carried out by experienced personnel working for, or on behalf of, the conservation organisations. When submitting records, sightings should be listed in Voous order (as in this report) and should include the following details: species, number, sex and age if known, date and location. Please note these points in particular: 1. EURING codes should be used in addition to species names if possible: they speed up the process of data entry. 2. Ideally, the location should be given as a place name accompanied by a six-figure grid reference, but for many purposes a four-figure grid reference is adequate. Omission of the grid reference makes data entry much more laborious, and may also lead to ambiguity if two locations in the same area have the same name. Omission of the place name does not allow mistakes in the grid reference (very common!) to be rectified.

8 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 3. An estimate of the number of birds should always be given, ever if an accurate count is not possible. Statements such as ‘a few’, ‘several’ or ‘many’ are of little value. Precise dates are also better than vague ones: for example, ‘peak Jan count of 34 on the 23rd’ is preferable to ‘peak Jan count of 34’. Observers are asked to consult this and previous report‘s for guidance about the kind of information required. Data entry for the report, and the preparation of quarterly summaries for the Argyll Bird Club’s newsletter, would be greatly facilitated if observers sent in records regularly through the year. Rare birds Details of rarities should be sent to me as soon as possible after the sighting. It is helpful if these records are submitted on a standard form, available from me. Details of the sightings will be judged locally or sent on to the Scottish Birds Records Committee (SBRC) or British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) as appropriate. Guidance on how to submit a record is widely available in the ornithologicalliterature, but can be obtained directly from me if desired. Some useful pointers are given in previous Argyll Bird Reports. Records of locally rare species in 1994 have been judged by the Argyll Bird Records Committee (ABRC) (previously known as the Argyll Records Panel), whose members are listed on p. 3. ABRC has produced a revised list of locally rare species whose occurrence in Argyll needs to be fully documented. The composite list given below is made up of the ABRC list (in lower case) and the SBRC list (in capitals), but excludes the large number of UK rarities assessed by BBRC. Asterisked species , have occurred in Argyll in the past; the status of Water Pipit and Scottish Crossbill in Argyll is currently under review.

LIST OF SBRC AND ABRC SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES, 1995 Black-necked Grebe* SURF SCOTER* CORY’S SHEARWATER* Smew* GREAT SHEARWATER* Ruddy Duck* MEDITERRANEAN SHEARWATER* HONEY BUZZARD* Bittern* MONTAGU’S HARRIER LITTLE EGRET* Goshawk” PURPLE HERON ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD” WHITE STORK* HOBBY* SPOONBILL* CRANE* Bean Goose* Avocet* European White-fronted Goose* STONE CURLEW GREEN-WINGED TEAL* LITTLE RINGED PLOVER* Garganey (except adult male, or female KENTISH PLOVER accompanied by adult male)* Temminck’s Stint* Red-crested Pochard* PECTORAL SANDPIPER* RING-NECKED DUCK* BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER” FERRUGINOUS DUCK Red-necked Phalarope (away from

9 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 traditional breeding area)* Reed Warbler" Long-tailed Skua* ICTERINE WARBLER" MEDITERRANEAN GULL" MELODIOUS WARBLER SABINE'S GULL" DARTFORD WARBLER RING-BILLED GULL" BARRED WARBLER* HERRING GULL (yellow-legged races Lesser Whitethroat* nticliahellis and cachirinans)* PALLAS 'S WARBLER Roseate Tern" Yellow-browed Warbler" Black Tern* FIRECREST" Little Owl RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER* BEE-EATER" BEARDED TIT Wryneck" Marsh Tit LESSER SPO'ITED WOODPECKER Willow Tit* SHORT-TOED LARK Crested Tit" WOODLARK Nuthatch* Shore Lark" Red-backed Shrike* RICHARD'S PIPIT* WOODCHAT SHRIKE TAWNY PIPIT SERIN WATER PIPIT Scottish Crossbill NIGHTINGALE* COMMON ROSEFINCH" Bluethroat" Hawfinch* CETTI'S WARBLER CIRL BUNTING" SAVI'S WARBLER ORTOLAN BUNTING AQUATIC WARBLER LITTLE BUNTING" MARSH WARBLER

In conjunction with the editor of the Scottish Bird Report, SBRC has decided that, as from 1994, no record of any species on its list will be published in the Scottish Bird Report unless a description has been submitted and found acceptable by SBRC itself or by the relevant local records committee. ABRC has decided to follow this lead with regard to its own list of local rarities. THUS NO RECORD OF ANY OF THE SPECIES LISTED ABOVE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN FUTURE SYSTEMATIC LISTS UNLESS ADEQUATE SUPPORTING DETAILS (INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION)ARE AVAILABLE. In addition, brief details may be requested for occurrences of scarce species not on the list where the circumstancesappear to warrant this, for example if the date is particularly unusual.

INTERPRETATION OF THE SPECIES ACCOUNTS

English and scientific names are as in the 1993 Scottish Bird Report; the sequence of species follows the Voous order as in the same report. The recommended new English names, introduced by the British Ornithologists' Union (1992)' havenot been adopted. Names of species not on the Western Palearctic list follow Howard and Moore (1991). Each species heading in the report contains the following information:

10 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Cpmmon name Scientific name Gaelic name EURING code e.g.RAVEN ’ Col-vus col-ax Fitheach 1572 Each heading is followed by a summary of the bird’s known status and distribution within Argyll, together with any other relevant information. Significant 1994 records are then listed in approximate chronological order. In general, no more than one arrival or departure date is given for each area. The 12 areas are named on the accompanying sketch map (p. 7). For a very few species, whose absence is noteworthy, there may be an entry even though no records were received in 1994. For scarcer species, records for 1994 may be followed by significant records from 1993 and earlier years where these have not appeared in previous reports. I have attempted to ensure that all place names in the systematic list feature on the 1:50,000 (Landranger Series) Ordnance Survey maps. An exception is The Laggan (Kintyre), which refers to the roughly triangular area west of Campbeltown,bordered by the B843, theA83, and Machrihanish Bay. Within this area, Westport Marsh (also absent from the map) is situated at approximately NR 65/25. The Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (SBO) is situated at Uisaed Point on the western outskirts of Machrihanish (NR628209). On Colonsay, A’Choille Mhor is the wood E of Beinn nam Fitheach (NR 40/96 and NR 41/96). On Mull, the Mishnish Lochs are the series of lochs extending from NM 46/52 to NM 48/53. The term ‘Loch Gruinart’ (Islay) in the report may refer to Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve or to parts of Loch Gruinart lying outside the reserve. No distinction has been made except where presenting records and counts of breeding species specific to the reserve itself, when the term ‘Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve’ has been used. The same reasoning applies to the use of the terms ‘Moine Mhor’ (Mid-Argyll) and ‘Moine Mhor NNR (National Nature Reserve)’; I have used the former term to cover the whole area W to the landward edge of Loch Crinan and N to Barsloisnoch. Figs. 4 to 7 are from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) goose counts. Figs. 8 to 18 are based on data from the Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS), although higher counts have been included where available. SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS Species status categories R Resident and sedentary B Breeding species; breeding and wintering ranges may differ S Summer visitor; breeds unless otherwise stated P . Passage visitor W Winter visitor I Recently introduced species; recorded in Argyll, may or may not breed here V Vagrant; not recorded annually

Categories of the British list Category A Species recorded in an apparently wild state in Britain and Ireland at

11 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 least once since 1 January 1958 Category D Species which do not form part of the full list for various reasons, including: Category D1 Species which would otherwise appear in Category A except that there is a reasonable doubt that they have ever occurred in a wild state (i.e. they are suspected to be escapes) Others ABRC Argyll Bird Records Committee (previously Argyll Records Panel, ARP) ad(s) adult(s) AON Apparently Occupied Nest-sites av average bl- brood of. .. BBRC British Birds Rarities Committee cl- clutch of. .. CBC Common Birds Census est estimated F female FF females hr hour(s) imm(s) immature(s) Is Island(s) or Isle(s) juv(s) juvenile(s) M male MM males max maximum (the highest count for a given locality, with date, during the period being analysed) min minute(s) n sample size N, W, etc points of compass nc not counted (in bar graph) NNR National Nature Reserve nr near occ occupied Pr(S> pair(s) Pt Point RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAMs Scottish Association for Marine Science SBO Seabird Observatory SBRC Scottish Birds Records Committee 10 km sq National Grid square measuring 10 x 10 km (100 sq km) # all 1994 records detailed individually > direction of flight no data available (in tables)

12 ‘ SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

SPECIAL STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN 1994 Regular monitoring of certain species and groups of species in Argyll continued in 1994; examples are the goose counts carried out by SNH and the monthly wildfowl and wader counts at several locations. Other single-species studies, either new in 1994 (e.g. Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver) or continued from previous years (e.g. Hen Harrier), are briefly described in the species accounts. Four further multi-species studies are summarised here to avoid repetition of details in the species accounts. (1) RSPB survey of the breeding waders and other species on the Rhinns of Islay (Stanbury and Campbell 1994) A survey was undertaken during the spring and suinmer of 1994 to obtain an accurate population estimate of waders on the Rhinns of Islay. This survey also collected data on passerines and other species. The survey covered an area of 83.5 sq km, and excluded Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Ardnave, areas of forestry, and areas to which access was denied. The last two categories covered an area of approximately 35 Sq km. Standard recording methodologies were used to census waders on agricultural land and upland. This survey is referred to as the “Rhinns survey” in the text that follows. (2) SNH survey of breeding waders and other species on Tiree (Johnston et al. 1994) In 1994 SNH undertook a breeding wader survey in selected areas of Tiree to assess the current status of the breeding wader populations, and to compare the distribution and size of these populations with those recorded in 1987/88 by the last comprehensive breeding wader survey on the island (Stroud 1989). This information was required to assist monitoring of the Argyll Island Environmentally Sensitive Area and to aid future work on Special Protection Areas. The survey concentrated on those areas identified as of particular importance for breeding waders by the 1988 report, particularly areas of machair and wet heath. In all ca 1400 ha were surveyed, which together with The Reef (ca 500 ha surveyed annually by RSPB), represented approximately 30% of the total land area of Tiree. Although these areas represent the best areas for breeding waders on the island, the estimates by no means represent whole-island totals. Comparisons with the 1987/88 results were made for those areas covered by both surveys. The survey also collected data on wildfowl, gulls, terns and a few other species. It is referred to as the “SNH survey” in the text that follows. (3) ScottishAssociation for Marine Science (SAMs) study of seabird breeding success [J C A Craik] As part of a wider study of seabird breeding success, selected species, principally Cormorant, Shag, Black-headed and Common Gulls, and CommGn and Arctic Terns, were monitored in a study area along the coast of mainland Argyll between Machrihanish and the Highland border. As in previous years, the study area included

I 13 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Lismore and one Cormorant colony in Cowal; these facts were omitted in error from the 1993 systematic list. Almost all colonies were on small islands. In interpreting the results reported under different species, it should be borne in mind that introduced North American mink, Mustela vison, are now present along the rocky shores of mainland Argyll at densities of one or two per km, that most gull and tern colonies in this study area are now severely affected by mink every year, and that local extinctions of several seabirds as breeding species have already occurred. (4) Systematic seawatching at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) [E J Maguire er al.] and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) [T ap Rheinallt] Movements of seabirds, wildfowl and waders past these two locations were monitored regularly during certain months of the year. With a few exceptions, all individual birds flying past were identified and logged. Hours of observation during each month were as follows:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jitn Jill Aiig Sep Oct Nov Dee Tot Mach.SB0 0.. 0 78 70 30 25 63 101 98 0 0 0 465 F. Rocks 6.5 8.5 14.5 20.5 21 15 18.5 44 24 18 9 9.5 209 This information can be used to convert total counts in the systematic list to hourly rates, and vice versa. It should be noted, however, that the validity of directly comparing hourly rates between the two locations is questionable. This is because observations at Frenchman’s Rocks were always made during the first few hours of daylight, when seabird movement is normally at a maximum, whereas those at Machrihanish SBO were more evenly spaced throughout the day. At both sites, the vast majority of birds flew south during all months, and most of the tables exclude birds flying in the opposite direction. More comprehensive data for Machrihanish SBO can be found in Maguire (1995).

14 ARGYLL BIRD RECORDS 1994

RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Learga ruadh 0002 B W P Widely distributed but sparse breeding species. Breeding recorded in 26% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 No count in Jan or Feb exceeded 4 birds. In Mar and Apr, counts at 3 sites totalled 5 or more birds. Kintyre: max 10 Machrihanish SBO, Mar 15. Islay: max 9 Loch Indaal, Mar 19. Mid-Argyll: 11 Loch Caolisport, Apr 16. Breeding. As part of a national survey, randomly selected sample 5x5 km blocks were systematically surveyed for breeding birds [RSPB], resulting in a continued improvement in our knowledge of numbers breeding in Argyll; also, more extensive surveys were carried out on Islay [A Colling] and Coll [RSPB]. Islay: 7 breeding attempts located, 5 failed, single young reared at 1 site, outcome uncertain at another. Jura: breeding confiied at 2 sites, one of which probably fledged 2 young. Colonsay: breeding confirmed at usual site but attempt failed. Cowal: breeding confirmed at 3 lochs. Mid-Argyll: confirmed breeding by 5 prs, including 2 prs that failed to rear any young [D Merrie; see pp. 95-97 in this report for more details]. Mull: breeding confirmed at 4 sites and additional birds located at 2 other sites, Coll: full census of suitable water bodies located 13-14 prs, and 8 chicks are known to have hatched. Counts of 5 or more coastal birds were reported from 3 areas during Jun and Jul. Kintyre: 8 Sound of Gigha, Jull9. Jura: 5 Loch Tarbert, Jull9. Mull: 6 Loch Buie, Jun 14. Autumn migration past seawatching locations was unremarkable, with 11 >S (101 hr) Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in Aug, and 40 >S (98 hr) in Sep. Equivalent figures for Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) were 8 >S (44 hr) in Aug, 29 >S (24 hr) in Sep, and 14 >S (18 hr) in Oct. The highest autumn counts came from Loch Indaal (Islay), with 40 on Oct 15 and 18 on Dec 4. In Kintyre, numbers in the Sound of Gigha reached 16 on Oct 27, but no other site produced counts exceeding 5 birds.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia al-ctica Learga dhubh 0003 B W P Scarce, although probably under-recorded in winter. Breeding now only in Mid- and N Argyll. 1994 Singles and prs were reported during the first half of the year from the coasts of Kintyre, Islay, Colonsay, Cowal, Mid-Argyll, Mull and Coll, the majority of the records being in Apr and May. With the exception of 3 Loch Indaal (Islay), Apr 10, all counts of 3 or more birds came from Kintyre and Mid-Argyll. Kintyre: 4 Sound of Gigha, Feb 11; a total of 60 Tayinloan - Kennacraig and 17 Skipness - Carradale, Apr 17-18. Mid-Argyll: 14 Loch Caolisport, Feb 10; a total of 28 between Kilberry and the head of Loch Caolisport, Apr 16. Breeding. Argyll: all known breeding sites (past and present) were surveyed as part of an RSPB national survey. A total of 10 summering prs were located including prs on 2 lochs which, when last surveyed in 1985, were either unoccupied or held birds then considered to be only transient. Breeding was confirmed at 8 sites and 3 prs were successful, each fledging a single chick. Of the 5 prs that failed, 2 clutches were flooded, 1 clutch was abandoned and the cause of failure at the other 2 was not known. Additional non-coastal summer records away from known breeding areas

I 15 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 included a single imm in partial breeding plumage, Loch Gorm (Islay), May 8, and a single seen on 2 occasions on Colonsay in Jun. In Kintyre, 8 first-summer birds were in the Sound of Gigha on Jul 19. Autumn records were confined to Kintyre and Islay, with no count exceeding 4 birds except for an unusually high count for Islay of 31 Bruichladdich, Oct 28.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Guviu immer Muir bhuachaill 0004 W P The Argyll coast is an important wintering locality, Summer-Rlumaged birds regularly recorded Apr - early Jun in all areas except Cowal. Pre-migratory gather- ings occur off some coasts in early May. A few individuals summer. 1994 During the early part of the year, there were counts of 10 or more birds from Kintyre, Islay, Colonsay, Mid-Argyll, Tiree and Coll. Kintyre: max 34 West Loch Tarbert, Mar 26; max 80 Sound of Gigha, Apr 17; max 25 Machrihanish SBO, Apr 28. Islay: max 91 Loch Indaal, Apr 22. Colonsay: 34 Oronsay, Apr 16. Mid-Argyll: a total of 32 between Kilberry and the head of Loch Caolisport,Apr 16. Tiree: 19 on May 13. Coll: 11 Crossapol Bay, Apr 18. Taken together, these counts suggest a total Argyll population of several hundred birds in the latter half of Apr. There were 7 summer records (mid-Jun to mid-Sep), involving 10 birds, at least 7 of which were imms. These records came from Islay, Colonsay and Tiree. During Oct - Dec, counts of 10 or more birds were confined to Islay and Mull. Islay: 14 Claggain Bay, Nov 24; max 21 Loch Indaal, Dec 4. Mull: 10 Loch na Keal, Nov 29. There was southward movement past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) throughout this period, with 20 >S (18 hr) in Oct, 18 >S (9 hr) in Nov, and 12 >S (9.5 hr) in Dec.

LITTLE GREBE Tuchybuptus riijicollis Spagriton 0007 B W Uncommon. Breeds widely, mainly on small, low-lying eutrophic lochs. Breed- ing recorded in 18% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Small numbers gather in sheltered coastal waters in winter. 1994 Up to 12 birds were at Campbeltown Loch (Kintyre) during Jan - Mar. Otherwise, counts of 5 Loch Etive (N Argyll), Jan 9, and 5 Holy Loch (Cowal), Jan 16, were the highest totals during the early part of the year. Breeding. Islay: breeding season records from 4 lochs, but no confirmed breeding. Colonsay: 2 prs reared a total of 4 yng. Mid-Argyll: prs noted during the breeding season on 7 lochs, mostly in the Oban area, but no confirmed breeding. In autumn, the number of birds on Loch Etive (N Argyll) built up to 12 on Nov 6. Elsewhere, there were 9 Mishnish Lochs (Mull), early Sep, 6 Loch Ballygrant (Islay), Oct 24, and 5 Caol Scotnish (Mid-Argyll), Oct 25. No other count exceeded 4 birds.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristutiis Gobhlachan laparan 0009 W P Rare. 1994# There were 2 Jan records. Islay: 1 Loch Indaal, Jan 4 and 22. Cowal: 1 Blairmore,

16 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Jan 7 - Feb 1. A single at Loch Indaal, May 1, may have been the same as the Jan bird there; it or another flew >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), also on May 1. In autumn, 1 was in Machrihanish Bay (Kintyre), Aug 3 1 - Sep 2, and another was at Loch Indaal (Islay), Nov 25.

RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Gobhlachan ruadh 0010 WP Rare. 1994# The only confirmed sighting was 1 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar 2.

SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Gobhlachan mara 0011 W P Regular wintering species in some sealochs and sounds. 1994 Nearly all records during Jan - Apr came from Kintyre, Islay and Mull. Kintyre: max 18 Sound of Gigha, Apr 17. Islay: max 23 Loch Indaal, Mar 26. Mull: 1 Loch Ba, Apr 6; 1 Lagganulva, Apr 16; 12head of Loch na Keal, Apr 20; 1Loch Buie, Apr 22. The only other record was 1 Loch Caolisport (Mid-Argyll), Feb 10. Unlike 1993, there were no May records. The first returning migrants were 2 Loch Indaal (Islay), Sep 15. Birds were then recorded at 3 sites between Oct and Dec, numbers apparently increasing towards the end of the year. Kintyre: max 11 Sound of Gigha, Dec 1. Islay: max 37 Loch Indaal, Nov 24. Mull: max 21 Loch na Keal, Dec 13.

FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis Eun crom 0022 B W P Common but localised breeding species in Kintyre, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Mid-Argyll, Mull, Tiree and Coll. 1994 Numbers of birds passing Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) rose to a peak in Mar before declining again during the breeding period (Fig. 1). A similar decline from Mar through Jun occurred at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre). Breeding. Birds were counted at colonies on Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. Colonsay: 26 AON Turnigil, 576 AON Uragaig, 77 AON Kiloran Bay, all Jun (cf23,514 and 65 respectively in Jun 1993). Tiree: 729 AON Ceann a’Mhara, Jun 10 (cf434 on Jull8 1993, and 917 on Jun 4 1992). Coll: 120 AON RSPB reserve. In autumn, southward movement past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) rose to a peak in Aug - Sep (highest day-count 3,809 >S (9 hr), Aug 28) before declining steeply during the moult period. As in 1993, there was then a steep rise at the end of the year (Fig. 1). Movement past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) showed a similar Aug - Sep peak, but absolute numbers and hourly rates were very much lower: only 2,116 (465 hr) were recorded during Mar - Sep cf 32,368 (157.5 hr) past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) in the same period. A few intermediate- or dark-phase birds of varying appearance were noted during seawatches. Kintyre: 1 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 26. Islay: singles Frenchman’s Rocks Mar 11,Aug 21, and Sep 19.

17 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 2

AMJJASOND Month Fig. 1 Average numbers of Fulmars moving south per hoirr past Frenchniait’s Rocks (Islay) in I994

SOOTY SHEARWATER Piiffinus griseus Fachadh dubh 0043 P Large numbers sometimes recorded Aug and Sep. 1994 An early single >N Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Ju1 18, was followed by 3 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul25. Most Aug and Sep records also came from these 2 locations. Kintyre: 2 >S Machrihanish SBO, Aug 16, and a total of 246 >S (98 hr) in Sep with max 143 on Sep 9; 12 Kennacraig - Islay crossing, Sep 3, I on Sep 6,7 on Sep 9. Islay: 35 >S (44 hr) Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug, and 72 >S (24 hr) in Sep; 63 >S Coul Pt, Sep 4-1 1. The only other records during Aug and Sep came from Mid-Argyll ferry crossings: 1 Oban - CollRiree, Aug 5; 7 Oban - Colonsay, Sep 9. In Oct, singles passed Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Oct 6 and 7. There were no further sightings.

MANX SHEARWATER Pliffinnus piiffinus Fachadh ban 004611 B P Very localised breeding species. Colonies confirmed only on Sanda (Kintyre) and Treshnish Is (Mull). Another colony may await discovery on or near the Garvellachs (Mid-Argyll). 1994 First 4 >N Portnahaven (Islay), Jan 3 1. No further records until mid-Mar. The highest Apr counts came from Tiree and Coll, with only relatively small numbers being recorded elsewhere. Tiree: 50 (10 min) Gunna Sound, Apr 4. Coll: 1,800 >N (1 hr) Arinagour, Apr 17, and 800 >N (10 min), Apr 18. Breeding. Mid-Argyll: 620 off putative breeding colony, Garvellachs, Jun 24. Mull: est several dozen nests, Lunga, Treshnish Is, Jul 11. In Jul, birds penetrated as far E as Loch Long (Comal), with over 30 present, Jul28- 31. Movement past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) peaked in Aug (Fig. 2), a month later than in 1993. A total of 22,154 birds (86.5 hr) flew >S past this location during Jul- Aug, the largest movement being 4,028 >S (4 hr), 26 Aug. At Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), where the species was absent Apr - Jun, a total of 14,843 birds (262 hr) flew >S during the same period, the largest movement being 4,300 >S (7 hr), Sep 9.

18 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 No other autumn counts approached these totals. The only Oct records came from Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), with a total of 21 >S (18 hr) during the month. A single >S past this location, Nov 1, was the last of the year. -- . 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 ‘JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 2 Average numbers of Manx Shearwaters moving south per hour past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) in 1994

MEDITERRANEAN SHEARWATER PuJjCiinus yelkouan 004612 V Continued seawatching may confirm that this species is an annual visitor to Argyll waters in autumn. 1994# There was a total of 4 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) during the second half of Aug: 1 on Aug 19, 1 on Aug 21, and 2 on Aug 26 [T ap Rheinallt] (accepted SBRC). 1993 Asingle >S off Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Dec 19 [T ap Rheinallt] (accepted SBRC), was exceptionally late. At least 8 individuals of this species were recorded in Britain during Dec 1993, an unusually high total for the month of Dec.

STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus Paraig 0052 B P Very localised breeding species, large colonies known only on Sanda (Kintyre) and Treshnish Is (Mull). Breeding birds first come ashore late May - Jun. Passage off W coasts Aug - Sep. 1994 The only spring record was 3 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), May 3 1. Breeding. A visit to the known colony on Lunga, Treshnish Is (Mull), Jul 11, confirmed its continued existence; although only 6 nests were found, the number of birds heard calling suggests a colony size of several hundred prs [R Craig, J W Proudlock]. Also in Jul, a single flew >N Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Jul2, while 2 were seen from the Oban - Coll/Tiree crossing (Mid-Argyll), Jul4. Following a single at Hynish (Tiree), Aug 3, there were several records of small numbers >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) later in the month. Westerly gales produced the highest counts of the autumn: 48 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Aug 28, followed by 28 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 9, the latter being the last record of the year.

19 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

LEACH’S PETREL Oceanodroma Ieitcorhoa Gobhlan mara 0055 P Rare, but probably regular in autumn at some locations following strong westerlies. 1994# Strong westerlies in Mar produced what are probably the earliest-ever records of this species in Argyll. Kintyre: 3 >S Machrihanish SBO, Mar 15,2>S on Mar 16, and 1 >S on Mar 3 1. Islay: 1 >S Frenchman’s Rocks and 1 Port Wemyss, Mar 16. A further run of westerlies in early autumn resulted in some good counts at seawatching locations, though none approached the record total of 466 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) on Sep 15 1992. Kintyre: 12 >S Machrihanish SBO,Aug 28,46 >S on Sep 10,24 >S on Sep 11, and 7 >S on Sep 28. Islay: 69 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug 28,2 >S on Sep 5,9 >S on Sep 10, and 9 >S on Sep 11; 1 >S Coul Pt, Sep 4, and 5 >S on Sep 10; 3 Ardnave, Sep 11.

GANNET Morus bassanits Sulaire 0071 S P Does not breed in Argyll; nearest colonies are Ailsa Craig (40 km E of Mull of Kintyre) and Shiant Is (140 km N of Mull). Common inshore May - Sep. Often seen high up sealochs, usually those with wide mouths such as Loch Caolisport (Mid- Argyll) and West Loch Tarbert (Kintyremid-Argyll). 1994 Birds passed Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) during all months of the year, though hourly rates were very low (l/hr) in Jan and Dec (Fig. 3). Birds were absent from many locations in winter; for example, first and last dates at Blairmore (Cowal) were Mar 27 and Oct 10. At Frenchman’s Rocks, numbers increased steadily to a peak in Aug, then declined rapidly after Sep (Fig. 3). Of a sample of 6,260 birds passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar- Sep, 87% were ads (cf85% Aug - Oct 1993), 7% sub-ads, 6% imms and 0.2% juvs (for defini- tion of age categories, see Maguire 1995). Taking data from Aug and Sep only, 0.3% of 4,225 birds were juvs (cf2% Aug - Oct 1993); of 28,384 passing Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Aug - Oct, 0.2% were juvs (cf0.6% Sep - Oct 1993).

400 300 I 200 1 I00 0 OND Month .- Fig. 3 Average numbers of Ganriets ntovirig south per hour past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) in 1994

20 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Sgarbh 0072 R W Breeds in Kintyre, Cowal, Mid-Argyll, Mull, Lismore and N Argyll. Less numerous than Shag. Small numbers occur on some inland waters, often moving to the coast in autumn. 1994 During the early part of the year, counts of 10 or more birds came from Islay, Cowal, Mid-Argyll, and N Argyll. Islay: max 35 Loch Indaal, Jan 26. Cowal: 10 Holy Loch, Jan 30 and Feb 13; 30 Blairmore, Mar 5. Mid-Argyll:up to 10 Loch Crinan, May. N Argyll: max 36 Port Appin, Feb 20. Breeding. ,Cowal: 1 colony was noted in the SAMS study area; from 48 nests on 23 May, 44 and 25 large young were ringed on Jun 25 and Jul 10 respectively (1.4 young/pr cf 2.3 young/pr from 24 nests in 1993). On Colonsay,there were 2 .Tun records of probable non-breeders (involving 3 birds). The highest autumn counts came from Loch Indaal (Islay), numbers peaking at 47 on Sep 27. Elsewhere, Holy Loch (Cowal) had a max of 16 on Oct 12, while up to 13 were at Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll)in Oct. No other site held more than 6 birds. Of 215 aged Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar - Sep, 30% were ads.

SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Sgarbh an sgumain e 0080 R W Very common coastal species, rare inland. Breeds rocky slopes and cliffs, singly and in small or large colonies. 1994 No count during the first half of the year exceeded 50 birds. Breeding. Kintyre/Mid-Argyll/Lismore/NArgyll: in the SAMs study area, a total of 308 prs were noted at 12 colonies (size range 1 to ca 100 prs); 160 prs at 7 monitored colonies (6 to 43 prs) reared 209 large young (1.3 young/pr). Mink were preying on eggs at 1 of the 7 colonies, Eilean FraoichEilean nan Coinean, Sound of Jura (Mid-Argyll),where the 32 prs reared no young. This colony has steadily declined from 500-600 prs in 1981-82. Mink were also preying on eggs at Corr Eilean, Sound of Jura (Mid-Argyll),which has similarly declined in the last 8 years and where in 1994 ca 100 prs are believed to have fledged few or no young. Colonsay: 26 nests av c/2.88 Port Ban, Jun (cf 20 nests av c/2.33 in 1993); 11 nests Uragaig, Jun (cf 7 in 1993). Tiree: 106AON Ceann a’Mhara, May 17, and 128 on Jun 10 (cf 58 on Jun 12 1993). In sum, there were 3 counts of 50 or more birds. Islay: 101Nave Is, Sep 18. Mid- Argyll: 50. Oban - Collfliree crossing, Aug 2. Mull: 100 Sound of Iona, Sep 21. Numbers passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’sRocks (Islay) peaked in Sep, coinciding with the dispersal of juveniles from colonies; at the former location, the proportion of ads in aged samples fell from 76% (n = 414) in Jul to 45% [n = 725) in Aug and 26% (n = 399) in Sep.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Corra gheal bheag 0119 V No Argyll records prior to 1958 but several since, mostly in spring and autumn. 1994# A single at Bellanoch (Mid-Argyll), May 11 [J Halliday, C Fergusson et al.] (accepted ABRC), constitutes the first Argyll record since 1991. 21 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 GREY HERON Ardeu cinerea Corra ghritheach 0122 R Widespread. Breeds in all areas. Breeding recorded in 7% of 10 km squares (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). I994 During Jan - May, only 1 count exceeded 10 birds: 11 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Mar 17. On Colonsay, several were reported to have been found dead in the winter months. Breeding. Information was received from only 3 areas. Islay: at least 1 pr nested Loch Allan. Colonsay: at least 6 nests at 3 sites; at least 5 broods reared. Mull: 11 nests at 3 sites, outcome largely unknown. In autumn, a total of 20 dispersing or migrating birds (262 hr) were recorded >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) during Jul - Sep; most of these were ads. Autumn counts of 10 or more birds came from Mid-Argyll and Mull. Mid-Argyll: 12 Mill Dam, Oban, Sep 27. Mull: 15 Loch Scridain, Aug 20, and 11 on Oct 9.

SPOONBILL Platuleu lerrcorodia 0144 V Five previous Argyll records; last in 1978. 1994# A single was at Dervaig (Mull), Sep 4 [W Hubbard] (accepted ABRC).

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Eala 0152 R Widespread but uncommon breeding species, both inland and at sheltered coastal locations. Scarce breeder in Kintyre; absent from Colonsay. Breeding recorded in 25% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Emigration from some breeding localities in winter. Many Argyll birds now fitted with darvic rings; all records of these birds required. 1994 Only 3 localities held more than 10 birds during Jan - Apr. Mid-Argyll: 20 Loch Craignish, Jan 23; 14 Oban Bay, Mar 18, and 13 on Apr 9. N Argyll: 12 Loch Etive, Feb 13. Breeding. Kintyremid-Argyll/Lismore/N Argyll: of 20 prs seen Jun - Aug in the SAMs study area, 13 prs had no young, 4 prs had 1 young, and the remaining 3 prs had 2,3 and 4 young. Gigha: 4 prs, but only 2 young in mid-Jul. Islay: 2 prs, broods of 3 still present, Oct. Cowal: 5 prs, 1 nest destroyed by high tide in May, 4 broods Jun - Jul. Mid-Argyll: 4 prs with broods, Jun-Aug; a further 2 prs at Loch Ne11 (1 included in the SAMs study above) failed due to unknown causes. Mull: 2 prs, 1 predated by mink, 1 with brood in Jun. Tiree: 4 prs bred, up to 3 other prs present, 4 broods Jun. N Argyll: 1 pr with brood, Jul. No records received from Kintyre or Jura, where breeding occurred in 1993. Five localities held flocks of over 10 during Aug - Oct, with flock sizes larger than in spring. Islay: 10 (including 3 juvs) Loch Ballygrant, Oct. Cowal: 12 (including 5 juvs) Holy Loch, Aug 21, increased to 30 (including 4juvs) on Sep 25, still 21 on Oct 16. Mid-Argyll: 10 (including 2 juvs) Loch Feochan, Aug 29; 10 Linne Mhuirich, Sep 2. Tiree: 47 Loch a’Phuill, Aug 4. Flock sizes appeared to be less in Nov and Dec.

22 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus Cygnus Eala bhan t 0154 W P Common passage species, small numbers winter. A few birds summer in most years and breeding has been recorded. 1994 Birds were recorded from 8 areas during Jan - May. Kintyre: 7 Machrihanish, Jan - Mar. Islay: 1-8 various localities, Jan - early May. Colonsay: 2 in Jan; 30 The Strand, Apr 13, with 2 until Apr 17. ‘Cowal:4 Kilbride Bay, Jan - Feb; 4 Loch Eck, Mar 20; 33 Tighnabruaich,Apr 8. Mid-Argyll: 18 Linne Mhuirich, Jan 6; elsewhere 1-6 various localities, Jan - Apr. Mull: 2 Mishnish Lochs, Mar 15; 17 >N Lochbuie, Apr 11. Tiree: max 51 on Mar 28, still 9 on May 9. Coll: 1 on May 8. There were summer records from 2 or 3 areas. Colonsay: 1 Kiloran Bay, Jun 20. Mid-Argyll: 2 ads Loch Tromlee, Jun - Sep. Tiree: 2 An Fhaodhail, Sep 8, had probably summered. The first returning birds were 17 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 26, and 30 on Sep 27. Main arrival and passage throughout Argyll occurred Oct 15 - Nov 9, with records from Kintyre, Islay, Cowal, Mid-Argyll,Mull, Tiree and Lismore. Only Kintyre, Islay, Mull and Tiree reported counts exceeding 10 birds. Kintyre: 15 >S Rhunahaorine, Oct 26. Islay: max 44 Loch Gorm, Oct 23-26; max 117 Loch Indaal, Oct 27; max 40 Loch Gruinart, Oct 27. Mull: 12 Loch na Keal, Oct 30. Tiree: 76 Loch a’Phuil1, Oct 18. There were fewer records from mid-Nov to the end of the year, though numbers on Tiree remained high. Islay: 1-15 various localities, Nov- Dec. Mid-Argyll: 4 Craiglin, Nov 13, and 2 on Nov 20; up to 7 Lochan Taynish, Dec; 2 Kilmory, Dec 31. Tiree: whole-island counts 38 on Nov 26,48 on Dec 12, and 34 on Dec 26.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus Geadh gorm 015s P W Very few winter. 1994 Reported from a small number of localities in the first winter period, plus some spring passage. Kintyre: 2 Tayinloan,Mar 15. Islay: more than usual, with up to 23 Bridgend and 1-8 at 5 other localities, Jan - Apr. Mid-Argyll: 160 >N Taynuilt, Apr 3, an exceptionally high spring count for Argyll. Tiree: 9 whole island, Jan - Apr; also 1 paired to Greylag, Apr 1 and 20. Coll: 1 on Mar 28, and 2 on.Apr 9. Last 2 Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 2. First autumn arrivals on Sep 15 when pronounced passage over Mid-Argyll (100 >S Oban, 54 >S Taynuilt, 100 Loch Crinan ind skeins >S Moine Mhor) and also noted Islay (67 in 2 flocks ving off sea, Saligo). Further flocks late Sep and early Oct. Islay: 30 Loch Gruinart, Oct 2-3. Mid-Argyll: 13 >W Oban, Sep 24, and 13 >S on Sep 27. Tiree: 1 killed7 by Peregrine, Sep 27. Usual small numbers wintered. Kin- tyre: 1 Rhunahaorine, Dec 3. Islay: 1-3 at 4 localities, Oct - Dec. Mid-Argyll: 1 Moine Mhor, Nov. Tiree: 1 on Nov 26. Coll: 3-4 during Oct - Dec.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons Geadh bhlar 0159 W Birds are of the Greenland race A aflavirostris. Regular wintering in all areas except Cowal. Argyll holds ca 40% of the world population in winter, mainly on Islay. A small introduced population breeds on the Rhinns of Islay. Birds of the 23 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 European race A a albiforts occur as vagrants. 1994 As usual, numbers during Jan -Apr were highest on Islay, with 9,151 on Jan 11 and slightly more in late Mar (Fig. 4). Kintyre held nearly 2,000 birds, with 930 The Laggan and 1,050 Rhunahaorine, Mar 25. Another 2,270 birds were counted in late Mar, divided among 7 areas (the Colonsay figure being an estimate) (Fig. 4). The Mid-Argyll birds were divided between the Tayvaliich peninsula (237) and Moine Mhor (35). There was no count on Mull at this time, but 62 birds were,,atFidden, Apr 10. On the whole, the late Mar counts showed a small increase over Mar 1993. Numbers on Tiree and Coll rose slightly in Apr. Tiree: max 658 on Apr 11. Coll: max 990 on Apr 9. Passage was noted in a few places, with 200>N Iona (Mull), Apr 29. A very late individual was at Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 26. Breeding: 2 prs of full-winged birds from wildfowl collection raised 3-4 young, Easter Eliister (Islay). The first autumn arrivals were 14 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 16 (an early date), then birds were widespread from early Oct. A coordinated count was carried out in late Nov, when record numbers were present on Islay (Fig. 5); the grand total for Argyll was 17,244 (cf 13,745 in late Mar). The Kintyre birds were divided between The Laggan (932) and Rhunahaorine (1,361), and the Mid-Argyll birds between the Tayvallich peninsula (366) and Moine Mhor (27). The Colonsay figure was an estimate.

Col1 (896 )

Tiree (499 ) Mid-Argyll (272 ) Colonsay (125 ) Jura (155) (9495 )

Fig. 4 Numbers of Whitefronted Geese in Argyll areas, Mar 25-30 1994

Mull (84 ) Mid-Argyll (393 ) Colonsay (185) Jura (125 ) UIslay (12350 ) Fig. 5 Numbers of Whitefronted Geese in Argyll areas, Nov 26-30 1994

24 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Geadh glas 0161 B W P Increasing breeding population on Colonsay, Mull, Tiree and Coll. Also breeds Mid-Argyll. Those breeding in the islands are presumably native birds that have colonised from the Outer Hebrides. Breeding recorded in 6% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 A coordinated count was carried out in late Mar, and showed Kintyre, Coll and Tiree each to hold between 500 and 650 birds (Fig. 6). The Kintyre total, considerably higher than the 227 counted in late Mar 1993, was divided between Machrihanish (330) and Rhunahaorine (215), while all the Mid-Argyll birds were at Moine Mhor. There was no count on Mull. In several areas, the late Mar totals were not the highest in the period. Islay: up to 14 Bridgend area, Jan - Feb. Colonsay: peak of 143, Jan. Cowal:400Ardlamont Bay, Feb 17 (presumably part of Bute flock totalling 1,240 on Mar 26). Mid-Argyll:max 296 Moine mor, Feb 1; 50 head of Loch Nell, Mar 16; 8 Mill Dam, Oban, Mar 22 and 12 Sound of Kerrera, Mar 23 were probably resident birds (see under Breeding). Tiree: max 1,206 on Mar 2. Breeding. Breeding was reported from Colonsay, Mid-Argyll,Mull, Tiree and Coll. Colonsay: no full count, but 3 broods Baleromindubh and East Loch Fada, Jun. Mid- Argyll: 18 ads and 11 young head of Loch Nell, Jull4; 5 ads and 7 young Mill Dam, Oban, Jul28. Mull: 3 prs with broods Mishnish Lochs, Jun 20. Tiree: 76 prs found during the SNH survey, representing over 2% of the native Scottish population; max 409 ads and 237 young, Jun 10, with most young on Loch an Eilein and Loch Riaghain. Coll: 177 ads and 35 young, Jun 15. Pr present Islay, May, perhaps attempted to breed; also 21 Ardnave Loch, May 27 and 5 Kilchoman in Jun. Returning migrants were noted from Sep. A coordinated count in late Nov (Fig. 7) produced figures generally similar to those in late Mar (Fig. 6), though the Tiree total was closer to the early Mar total of 1,206. As in Mar, the Kintyre birds were divided between The Laggan (275) and Rhunahaorine (227), and all the Mid-Argyll birds were at Moine Mhor. The Colonsay figure was an estimate. The Mull birds were at Ardtun, nr Bunessan (25) and Fidden (20).

Kintyre

Fig. 6 Numbers of Greylag Geese in Argyll areas, Mar 25-30 1994

25 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

;lay(19) -Colonsay (109 ) Kintyre

Col1 (493

/-Tiree (1 124 )

Fig. 7 Numbers of Greylag Geese in Argyll areas, h70v26-30 1994

SNOW GOOSE Anser caerulescens Geadh ban 0163 I V A small introduced breeding population exists on Mull and winters mainly on Coll. Stragglers among wintering Greenland Whitefronts may be genuine vagrants. 1994 A single white-phase ad with Greenland Whitefronts on Islay during both winter periods was presumed to be the same bird and a probable genuine migrant. The introduced flock wintering on Col1 totalled 40 on Apr 9, and again 40 on Dec 12. Breeding. There was no count at the breeding site on Mull, but 1 pr bred Coll.

CANADA GOOSE Branfa canadensis Geadh dubh 0166 B W V Resident population on Colonsay, introduced in 1934, and occasional breeding attempts elsewhere. A transatlantic origin seems possible for medium-sized and small individuals regularly seen in small numbers in winter goose flocks on Islay. 1994 Up to 3 small birds on Islay during Jan - Mar were all with Barnacle Geese and perhaps genuine vagrants. Breeding. Colonsay: resident population totalled 32 ads and 29 young in 11 broods, Jun. Mid-Argyll: no confirmed breeding but 2 Loch an Droighinn, May 24 and Jun 5, while 21 Loch Ederline, Jul7, could possibly have been on migration. Early autumn counts of resident birds were received from 2 localities. Colonsay: 80 On Sep 11. Mid-Argyll: 20 Loch Crinan, Aug 14. A single with Barnacle Geese on Islay, Oct - Dec, was perhaps a genuine vagrant. However, a flock of 15 large birds at Machir Bay (Islay), Nov 28, were more likely to have been visitors from Colonsay.

BARNACLE GOOSE Branra leiicopsis Cathan 0167 W All areas except Cowal. Very large numbers of birds from the Greenland population winter on Islay. A few birds occasionally summer, and at least some of these are probably injured. A few introduced birds also breed on the Rhinns of Islay. 1994 On Islay, numbers peaked at 28,437 on Jan 11, with 25,445 counted on Mar 29-30. Birds were also present, though in much smaller numbers, in 5 other areas between 26 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Jan and early Mar. Kintyre: 4 The Laggan and 10 Rhunahaohe, Mar 25. Colonsay: up to 386 in Jan, similar numbers in Feb and Mar. Mid-Argyll: 400 Tayvallich peninsula, Mar 5. Tiree: max 1,103 on Feb 14, decreasing to 516 by Mar 28. Coll: 764 on Mar 28, and 835 on Apr 9. Numbers in many of these areas decreased through Apr, the main exodus taking place on Apr 20-27; 6 were on Iona (Mull), Apr 29. Last 8 Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 8, and 2 Tiree, May 9. Breeding. At least 4 prs, full-winged birds from wildfowl collection, bred Easter Ellister (Islay), but no young were reared. Singles on Colonsay, Jun 14, and Tiree, Jun 27, were presumably summering birds from the Greenland population. The Colonsay bird was in the company of a Canada Goose and had a single gosling, presumably a hybrid. First returning migrants 3 Loch na Gile (Tiree), Sep 9. There was 1 at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 16, with 10 on Sep 17 and 20 on Sep 19, increasing to 1,300 by Sep 28. This is a much earlier arrival than usual and coincided with arrivals of other geese at the same time (see Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose and Greylag Goose). Numbers on Islay reached 26,237 by Nov 28-29, and perhaps 2,000 birds were present elsewhere in Argyll. Kintyre: 11 Rhunahaorine, Nov 29. Colonsay: est total 500 in late Nov. Mid-Argyll: 356 Tayvallich peninsula, Nov 29. Tiree: max 639 on Dec 12-13. Coll: up to 377 in Dec.

BRENT GOOSE Bruntu bemiclu Geadh got 0168 W P Uncommon passage species. Very few winter. Most birds seen in Argyll are of the LIGHT-BELLIEDRACE, B b hrota, which breeds in NE Greenland and on Queen Elizabeth Is off Arctic Canada, wintering mainly in Ireland. 1994 During Jan - Mar, the only records came from Islay, where there were up to 7 Loch Indaal during the period, and 1 Loch Gruinart, Feb - Mar. There was a small north- ward passage in late Apr: 18 >N Bruichladdich (Islay), Apr 21; 4 Iona (Mull), 10 Lochdon (Mull) and 165 Gott Bay (Tiree), Apr 27; 25 >N Port Askaig (Islay), perhaps the same 25 Knockrome (Jura) and 25 Loch Gilp (Mid-Argyll), and 50 Balephetrish Bay (Tiree),Apr 29. Last 2 Gott Bay (Tiree), May 9, with 1 remaining to May 13. The first autumn migrants were seen on Islay with 3 1 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug 28, then 21 Loch Gruinart, Sep 9, and singles >S Coul Pt and Frenchman’s Rocks, Sep 10. A large southward movement occurred on Sep 11, with over 400 >S along the W coast of Islay and 218 >S Machrihaaish SBO (Kintyre) during the day. Smaller numbers were recorded in the same areas later in Sep, and also 6 Traigh Bhan (Tiree), Sep 29. Passage continued in Oct, with 12 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Oct 22, and 36 on Oct 25; also, a single was at Pennygown (Mull), Oct 22. Up to 8 remained at Loch Indaal (Islay) and 4 at Loch Gruinart (Islay) between late Oct and the end of the year, the only other record being 11 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Dec 27.

DARK-BELLIEDRACE B b bernicla W P Scarce visitor, most often seen Oct. A few midwinter records. 1994# A single at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Oct 11 and Nov 1, was the only record.

21 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

BLACKBRANT B b nigricans V No previous Argyll records. 1989 Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Oct 20 1989 to May 17 1990 [MA Ogilvie, R H Hogg et al.]. This record, published in the 1989 and 1990 systematic lists (Argyll Bird Report 6 and 7), has now been accepted by BBRC. It constitutes the first Scottish record of this race, which breeds in eastern Siberia and western North America. I/, SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorria Cra-gheadh 0173 B W Widespread breeding species, especially on sandy coasts. Breeding recorded in 39% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). The majority are absent Aug - Nov when the birds migrate to moulting grounds. 1994 During the early part of the year, numbers on Islay peaked in Mar (Fig. S), but the total for Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart was substantially lower than the 446 in Feb 1993. Only 4 other areas had counts exceeding 10 birds. Colonsay: 42 The Strand, Mar 16; 30 prs and 2 singles whole island, mid-Apr. Cowal: 19 Loch Striven, Jan 19. Mid-Argyll: 62 Loch Sween, Feb 20; up to 13 Loch Crinan, Apr, and 24 in May. Mull: 22 Lochdon, Apr 16. Breeding. Islay: 10 prs recorded but no full survey. Colonsay: 32 prs, and 29 young in 4 broods, Jun. Tiree: 6 prs on inland lochs SNH survey. Numbers on Islay built up steadily from Aug to a peak in Dec (Fig. 8). Elsewhere, the only count to reach double figures was 10 Loch Riddon (Comal), Oct 24. 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 'JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 8 Maximlint monthly coiints of Shelduck at hvo sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

MANDARIN Aix galericulara 0178 R Rare, but now apparently a regular breeder in Cowal. 1994# A pr bred at Loch Eck (Cowal), laying 13 eggs; F seen with brood of 10 young, Jun 1. 1993 A pr bred successfully at Loch Eck (Cowal) for the third year in succession, hatching 28 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 I 5 eggs from a clutch of 13 (see Scottish Birds (1994) 17: 125-6).

300 - - 200 -~ - = 100 -

29 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 AMERICAN WIGEON Anus americana 0180 V Single MM recorded Islay, Nov 1989, andTiree, May 1992. 1992 Kintyre: 1 M Campbeltown Loch, Feb 2 - Apr 14 [E J Maguire et al.] (accepted BBRC). This record precedes the 1992 Tiree record detailed in the last report, and thus becomes the second Argyll occurrence.

GADWALL Anas srrepera Lach glas 0182 B W P Scarce breeding species. 1994 All records came from Islay where a pr appeared Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Mar 10, and then probably bred; a brood was reported in late May. There were further records of 1-3 birds at this location during Ju1 - Dec, the only other record being 5 >S Frenchman's Rocks, Sep 11.

TEAL Anas crecca Crann lach 0184 B W P Widespread but uncommon breeding species. Common winter visitor. Breed- ing recorded in 20% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Following high numbers in Dec 1993, over 850 birds were on Islay in Jan (Fig. 11). A few other localities had counts exceeding 50 birds. Cowal: max 71 Holy Loch, Feb 13. Mid-Argyll: peak of 66 Loch Crinan, Jan. N Argyll: max 59 Loch Laich, Jan 16. Breeding. Islay: 27 prs recorded Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, most of which probably attempted to breed; 16 prs Rhinns survey. The only other breeding season reports came from Colonsay (3 prs in Jun) and Tiree (8 prs in 3 areas, Jun). i Numbers at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart (Islay) rose to over 1,000 birds in Nov and Dec (Fig. 11); also 70 Loch Tallant, Dec 3. Only 2 other areas reported counts exceeding 50 birds. Mid-Argyll: max 124 Loch Crinan, Nov 5, a record count in recent years. Coll: up to 80 RSPB reserve, Oct, rising to 130 in Dec.

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 "JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 11 Maximirm monthly c014ntsof Teal at two sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

30 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Lach 0186 B .W P Common breeding and wintering species. Breeding recorded in 67% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 The largest numbers during Jan - Mar were on Islay, where there were nearly 300 at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart in Jan and Feb (Fig. 12). A few other areas reported counts exceeding 20 birds. Cowal:21 Loch Loskin, Jan 30; 30 Kilfinan Bay, Feb 13; max 22 Holy Loch, Feb 13; 32 Ardyne Pt, Feb 19. Mid-Argyll: peak of 45 Loch Crinan, Jan. Mull: peak of 25 head of Loch Scridain, Feb. N Argyll: 36 Loch Etive, Jan 9. Breeding. Islay: 26 prs Rhinns survey, of which 13 prs Loch Gorm. No other significant records. Moulting and post-breeding flocks were reported from several areas in Jun and Jul. Islay: see Fig. 12. Cowal: 66 Holy Loch, 26 Jun, and 44 on Jul24. Mid-Argyll: up to 34 Loch Crinan, Jun, and 20 in Jul. Numbers on Islay peaked at 350 in Nov (Fig. 12). Numbers were much lower elsewhere, but several counts, mostly in Cowal, exceeded 50 birds. Cowal: max 84 Holy Loch, Sep 25; 70 Kilfinan Bay, Aug 26, and 60 on Nov 26; 80 Loch Riddon, Sep 24; 28 Loch Loskin, Dec 30. Mid-Argyll: max 99 Loch Crinan, Sep 12. 460 300 200 100 0 J FMAM J.J ASOND Month Fig. 12 Maximum monthly counts of Mallard at two sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

PINTAIL Anas acuta Lach stiuireach 0189 B W P Very scarce breeding species. Localised in winter, mainly recorded Islay and Tiree, with a small but increasing flock regularly wintering on Islay. 1994 The only reports during the early part of the year came from Islay, where numbers in Loch Indaal peaked at no more than 14 in Feb, well below the level of recent years; also up to 3 Loch Gruinart, Jan, 4 in Feb, and 1 in Mar. Breeding. Tiree: breeding or suspected breeding occurred at 1-2 sites and involved 2-3 FF with broods. Autumn passage was noted at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), with a total of 20 >S on 3 days in Sep, including 18 >S on Sep 10, a record day-count for this location. Num- bers at Loch Indaal (Islay) peaked at 28 in Dec, and birds were more numerous than 31 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 before at Loch Gruinart, with up to 14 in Nov and up to 20 in Dec. The only other records were 2 >S Coul Pt (Islay), Sep 10, and 1 Ardnave Loch (Islay), Oct 25.

GARGANEY Anas qiierquedula Lach crann 0191 S Rare. May have bred Islay in 1993. 1994# Following the arrival of 2 MM and 1 Fat Westport Marsh (Kintyre) on May 19, a pr subsequently reared 2 young; this is the first documented breeding record for the Argyll mainland in recent years. The only other record was 1 M Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 18 - Jun 5.

SHOVELER Anas cbpeara Lach a’ghuib leathainn 0194 B W P Most records from Islay and Tiree. 1994 Wintering birds during Jan - Mar were only reported from Islay where there were up to 3 at Loch Indaal and up to 8 at Loch Gruinart. Breeding. Kintyre: 2 prs Westport Marsh. Islay: 11 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Apr - May, 11 solitary MM in Jun, and several broods seen; also F b/8 Carnain, Loch Indaal, Jun 8. Colonsay: 1 pr bred and a second possibly did but failed. Tiree: 8 sites held a total of at least 10 prs, Apr - mid-May. Coll: 1 RSPB reserve, Jun. With the exception of 4 Loch Bhasapol (Tiree), Dec 7, all records during Aug - Dec came from Islay: peak of 18 Loch Gruinart, Dec; max 7 Loch Indaal, Nov 1.

POCHARD Ayfhyaferina Lach mhasach 0198 W No confirmed breeding in recent years. Wintering flocks generally small. 1994 Birds were reported from 4 areas during Jan - Apr. Islay: 2 Loch Tallant, Jan 22. Colonsay: max 18 West Loch Fada, Jan 23. Mid-Argyll: max 26 Lochan Taynish, Jan 1; max 25 Loch Leathan, Kilmichael Forest, Feb 28; max 10 Loch nan Druimnean, Kilmelford, Mar 3-5. Last 3 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Apr 23. There were no records in Aug and Sep, the first returning birds being 30 Loch Gorm (Islay), Oct 5. Numbers on Islay were much higher than during the first winter period, though as there were no Dec records the birds appear to have been passage migrants: 30 Loch Gorm to Oct 16; 30 Loch Skerrols, Nov 7; 100 Ardnave Loch, Nov 8, and 70 on Nov 9. Counts from other areas were all in single figures. Kintyre: 2 Lochan Luing, Rhunahaorine, Oct 18, probably passage migrants. Mid-Argyll: 1 Loch Crinan, Nov 5, was the first recent record from this location; 3 Loch nan Druimnean, Kilmelford, Nov 6, and 1 on Nov 19. Tiree: 6 Loch a’Phuill, Oct 18; 6 Loch Bhasapol, Dec 7.

RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris 0200 V First accepted Argyll record 1982, with 4 further records to 1991. All occurrences have involved single MM. 1993 = An ad M was at Loch an Torr, nr Dervaig (Mull), May 30 - Jun 2 [R Barnes, D & L 32 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Primrose] (accepted BBRC).

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Lach thopach 0203 B W Scarce breeding species, with about 50 prs in Argyll. Breeding recorded in 12% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Common winter visitor. 1994 There were relatively few records during Jan - Mar. Islay: max 17 Ardnave Loch, Mar 17. Colonsay: peak of 17, Jan. Mid-Argyll:max 17 Loch Leathan, Kilmichael Forest, Feb 7; 10 Lochan Dubh, nr Oban, Mar 17; max 12 Dubh Loch, nr Inveraray, Mar 25. In Apr, a flock of 60 was at Loch Bhasapol (Tiree), Apr 15. Breeding. Prs or MM were reported during the breeding season from 6 areas, 2 of which (Mull and Coll) did not hold birds in 1988-91 (BTO Atlas). Islay: 12 prs at 5 lochs. Colonsay: up to 3 prs, and 1 brood seen. Mid-Argyll: 6 prs and at least 11 additional MM at 6 lochs. Mull: 1 M Loch Assapol, early May. Tiree: at least 13 prs on 5 lochs, including 2 broods. Coll: pr Loch na Cloiche. A flock of 25 moulting MM was at Loch Ne11 (Mid-Argyll),Jul 14. Flocks of 20 or more passage or wintering birds were recorded in 3 areas, Oct - Dec. Islay: 50 Loch Gorm, Oct 16; max 24 Ardnave Loch, Dec 12; 25 Easter Ellister, Dec 14. Mid-Argyll:max 20 Dubh Loch, Oct 2; also 3 River Add, Oct 9, were the first for Moine Mhor NNR. Tiree: 40 Loch Bhasapol, Dec 7.

SCAUP Aythya mal-ila Lach mhara 0204 W P Large wintering flock at Loch Indaal (Islay). Scarce elsewhere. Occasionally summers. 1994 The wintering flock at Loch Indaal (Islay) peaked at 699 on Jan 26, with the last 3 on May 24 (Fig. 13). The only others reported during Jan - May were singles in Mid- Argyll, at Ganavan, nr Oban, Apr 25, and at Loch Crinan, May 28. No birds were seen in Jun, but there were 3 records in mid-Jul: 1 moulting M Machrihanish Bay (Kintyre), Jull8,2 MM Sound of Gigha (Kintyre), Jull9, and 1 M Loch Ba (Mull), Jul 19. Autumn passage was observed at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), with 1 >S on Aug 5, 18 >S on Sep 1, and 10 >S on Sep 27. Also in Aug, birds reappeared at Loch Indaal (Islay), with 42 on Aug 24 building up to nearly 1,000 in Dec (Fig. 13). Elsewhere on Islay, there were 14 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Sep 11, and up to 5 inland at Loch Skerrols in Oct. The only other records were 3 Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll),Oct 10, and 2 FF Lochan Luing, Rhunahaorine (Kintyre), Dec 1.

33 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

1000 800 600 400 200 0 JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 13 Maximum monthly counts of Scaup at Loch Indaal (Islay) in 1994

EIDER Somareria mollissima Lach lochlannach 0206 B W P Common in all areas. Breeding recorded in 66% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Large flocks of moulting drakes and first-year birds gather at some sites, Jun - Aug. Many Argyll breeding birds winter in the Firth of Clyde. 1994 Flocks of over 100 birds were reported from 3 areas during Jan - Apr. Kintyre: 125 Dippen Bay and 131 Skipness Pt, 17Apr. Islay: max 175 Loch Indaa1,Apr 29. Mid- Argyll: 153 lower Loch Creran, Feb 20. Breeding. Colonsay: 68 FF with 45 broods totalling 133 young, plus a further 56 FF without young, Jun. No other significant breeding records, but several large flocks seen Jun - Aug. Islay: 113 Loch Indaal, Jun 24, and 169 on Aug 24. Cowal: 425 Gairletter Pt, Jun 25; 423 Blairmore, Aug 6. N Argyll: 150 MM Ledaig Pt, Jun 12. Several counts during Sep - Dec also exceeded 100 birds. Islay: max 141 Loch Indaal, Oct 28. Comal: 106 nr Carry Pt, Kyles of Bute, Sep 23, and 160 on Nov 24; 100 Dunoon Pier, Oct 7; at least 600 Otter Ferry, Nov 26. Of a sample of 884 birds passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) during Mar - Sep, 69% were drakes.

KING EIDER Somareria svectabilis 0207 V Six Argyll records, all df single MM, dating back to 1889. ~.1993. . An ad M at Salum Bay (Tiree), Apr 26 - Jun 7 [RA Broad, G Evans er al.] (accepted BBRC), brings the 1993 total to 2 birds. Full details of a third 1993 bird have not yet been received.

LONG-TAILED DUCK CIangula Iiyemalis Eun buchainn 0212 W P Uncommon winter visitor, most numerous Kintyre, Islay, Tiree and Coil. Usu- ally marine but occasionally seen on inland lochs. Occasional summer records. 1994

34 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 As usual, birds were rather scarce during Jan - Mar. Kintyre: 4 Machrihanish SBO, Jan - Mar; 6 Sound of Gigha, Feb 11. Islay: up to 4 Loch Indaal, Jan - Mar; 3 Laggan Bay, Feb 14. Mid-Argyll: 1 F Oban Bay, Mar 27 onwards. There were more records during Apr and May, some presumably involving passage birds. Kintyre: max 32 Sound of Gigha (Tayinloan - Ronachan), Apr 17; 6 >S Machrihanish SBO, Apr 27. Mid-Argyll: 1 F Oban area to Apr 25; 1 M Loch Awe nr Dalmally, May 5, an unusual inland record. Tiree: max 12 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 15, last 2 on May 7. Coll: 65 Feall Bay, Apr 9, is an exceptionally high count; 4 still present on May 9. There was a single summer record: 1M >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Jun 29. Apart from 1 Machrihanish (Kintyre), Sep 20, and perhaps the same 1 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 21, there were no more records until Oct. With the exception of 1 Loch Leathan, Kilmichael Forest (Mid-Argyll),Dec 1 (the second inland record of the year), and 2 Ronachan (Kintyre), Dec 4,all Oct - Dec records came from Islay: up to 4 Loch Indaal, Oct - Nov, increasing to 11 on Dec 12; singles Saligo Bay, Oct 16,Laggan Bay, Oct 20-22,and Frenchman’s Rocks, Nov 10.

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Lach bheag dubh 0213 B W P Very rare breeding species in Islay and Mid-Argyll. Present throughout the year in the Sound of Gigha (Kintyre) and at Loch Indaal (Islay). Scarce winter visitor elsewhere, although birds may be present well offshore. 1994 During Jan - Mar, the peak count at Loch Indaal (Islay) was 147 on Jan 26. The only other records were 1 Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll),Jan 15 (the first recent record from this location), and 26 Sound of Gigha (Kintyre), Feb 11. There were more records in Apr and May, some presumably involving passage migrants. Kintyre: a total of 14 >S and 4 >N (70 hr) Machrihanish SBO, Apr; max 139 Sound of Gigha (Tayinloan - Ronachan), Apr 17. Islay: up to 163 Loch Indaal, May; a total of 34 >S (27 hr) Frenchman’s Rocks in Apr and May; 27 >S Portnahaven, May 30. Coll: 1 Crossapol Bay,Apr 16-18. Breeding. Islay: max 7 prs and 3 MM at usual breeding site, Jun 10; 1 pr at another site, Jun. Mid-Argyll: at least 8 (5 MM, 3FF) and probably 10 in total at 1 site; F with 5 small young, Aug 4. The summering flock at Loch Indaal (Islay) held 273 birds on Aug 24. Also on Islay, there were 17 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Jun 30,11 >S (44hr) inAug, and 10 >S (24hr) in Sep. Elsewhere, the only coastal records during Jun - Aug were 1 M Rubha Dubh (Colonsay),Jun 14, and 5 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul26, but a total of 10 >S 20 >N (98 hr) passed the latter site in Sep. During Oct - Dec, birds were recorded only in Kintyre and Islay. Kintyre: 22 munahaorine Pt, Oct 26,and 57 on Dec 1; 11 Ronachan, Dec 4. Islay: flock in Loch Indaal peaked at 254 on Oct 11, staying over 100 to the end of the year; 34 >S French- man’s Rocks, Nov 5, and 2 >S on Dec 24.

VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca Lach dubh 0215 W Scarce. 1994# As in most years, the great majority of records came from Kintyre and Islay. Unlike

35 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1993, they were concentrated during Jan - Apr. Kintyre: 1 M and 1 F wintered Machrihanish Bay, Jan - Mar; 2 MM >S Machrihanish SBO, Apr 9, and 1 M >S on Apr 23; 18 Rhunahaorine Pt, Apr 10, and 9 nearby on Apr 17. Islay: 1 F Loch an t- Sailein, nr Ardbeg, Mar 30; 7 >N Frenchman's Rocks, Apr 24. There were no records in May or Jun but 5 were in the Sound of Gigha (Kintyre), Jul 19. The only record during Aug - Dec was 1 Machrihanish Bay (Kintyre), Dec 2.

GOLDENEYE Biicephala clattgiila Lach bhreac 021s W Common. Birds present Sep - May; occasional summer records." 1994 Flocks numbering 10-20 birds were widespread during Jan - Apr. Higher counts came from 3 areas. Islay: max 28 Loch Indaal, Feb 16. Mid-Argyll: max 21 head of Loch Sween, Jan 8; at least 50 Loch Caolisport, Feb 10. N Argyll: 50 Loch Etive, Jan 9, and 31 on Feb 13. The only May record was 2 FF Ganavan, nr Oban (Mid-Argyll), May 2. However, a F summered at Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll). There were no new records during Aug and Sep, and only Islay had counts of 20 or more birds during Oct - Dec: max 32 Loch Indaal, Nov 24; max 20 Loch Gruinart, Dec 12.

SMEW Mergus albelliis Sioltaich breac 0220 W Rare. 1994# A redhead was on Mid Loch Fada (Colonsay), Feb 3-23 [J & P M Clarke] (accepted ABRC). This is the first record for Argyll since the long-staying bird on Islay in the 1980s, which was last seen in 1989.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergzts serraror Siolta dhearg 0221 B W Common. Breeding recorded in 52% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Large moulting flocks gather at some sites, Jul -Aug. 1994 Numbers in Loch Indaal (Islay) peaked at 86 on Jan 26 (cf43 in Jan 1993). Else- where, only 1 count reached 20 birds: 20 Loch Etive (N Argyll), Jan 9. Breeding. Tiree: 7 prs located on 3 lochs in partial survey. No other significant records. Counts of moulting flocks during Jul - Sep gave some impressive totals, far exceeding those reported in 1992 and 1993: 580 Sound of Gigha (Kintyre), Jul 19, and 410 on Aug 22; 412 Scallastle Bay (Mull), Jul27. In contrast, the peak count at Loch Indaal (Islay) was comparatively low, reaching 167 on Aug 24. Three other flocks held 50 or more birds: at least 50 Laggan Bay (Islay), Jul7; 72 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Aug 31; max 70 Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll), Sep 25. Counts during Oct - Dec were lower, with only 3 locations holding more than 20 birds. Islay: max 24 Loch Gruinart and max 86 Loch Indaal, Nov 24. Mid-Argyll: peak of 41 Loch Crinan, Oct.

36 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Siolta ." 0223 B W Scarce breeding species, mainly Mid-Argyll, with an estimated 40-50 prs. Drakes may gather Loch Awe (Mid-Argyll) prior to late May moult migration. 1994 Most records during Jan - Mar came from Mid-Argyll, where there were 14 at Loch Leathan, Kilmichael Forest, Feb 25, and singles or prs at 4 other locations. Other records came from Jura, Cowal and Mull. Jura: 1 M Inverlussa, Jan 22. Cowal: 1 M Holy Loch, Jan 16; pr River Eachaig, Feb - Apr. Mull: 1 Kilfinchen Bay, Jan 27. Breedirzg. Birds were recorded in 3 areas during Apr - Jul, but breeding was only confirmed in Mid-Argyll. Cowal: 1 M Holy Loch, Apr 10. Mid-Argyll:prs or MM recorded from 11 sites, though broods were only seen at Loch Nell, River Euchar and Ardentallen Pt. Mull: 1 M Loch Frisa, May 8; 1 Pennyghael, May 16. In Sep, 12 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 6, was a record day-total for this location. Apart from 14Ardentallen Pt (Mid-Argyll),Sep 7, all other records during Sep - Dec concerned 1 or 2 birds. The only records outside Mid-Argyll were 2 Kilfinichen Bay, Loch Scridain (Mull), Dec 11, and singles at Loch Etive (N Argyll), Oct 9, Lochgoilhead (Cowal), Nov 25, and Holy Loch (Cowal), Dec 23.

HONEY BUZZARD Pel-nis apivorus 0231 V Five accepted Argyll records since 1980; last in 1992. 1994# A single drifted >NE Uiskentuie, Loch Indaal (Islay), Jul 30 [D & J Gilbert] (accepted ABRC).

RED KITE Milvus milvus Clamhan gobhlach 0239 I V Genuine vagrants have occurred in the past, but most recent Argyll records refer to birds released in Highland Region as part of a re-introduction project begun in 1989. All records are requested, ideally with details of activity and presence/absence of wing tags. 1994# As in 1993, there was only 1record during Jan - May: 1 Kilmartin (Mid-Argyll),Feb 15. There were a further 5 records during Jun - Oct. Islay: a wing-tagged Scottish- bred chick, fledged in 1994 and last seen close to its nest site on Sep 24, was around Loch Gruinart, Oct 17-21. Mid-Argyll: 1 Poltalloch, late May - early Jun; 1Inverinan, Loch Awe, Jun 12; 1 Oban, Jul6; 1 Ormsary, Loch Caolisport (1991 release), Jul28.

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaeetus albicilla Iolair mhara 0243 I A total of 82 birds imported from Norway were released on Rhum between 1975 and 1985 as part of the Nature Conservancy Council's re-introduction programme. An additional 20 chicks, also from Norway, were released in N Scotland by Scottish Natural Heritage in 1993 and 1994. All records are requested, ideally with details of age, activity and presencelabsence of wing tags. 1994 Breeding. Scotland: 10 localities occupied by territory-holding birds. Eight clutches are known to have been laid; 4 successful prs reared 5 young. In Argyll, there were

37 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 several sightings of dispersing and wandering individuals, including: 1 imm Kilchiaran (Islay), Jan 16; 1 ad Eredine, Loch Awe (Mid-Argyll), Jan, and 1 imm in Jun; 1 imm Oban (MidArgyll), Mar 25; 1 NW Jura, Oct; 1 imm Dunadd (Mid-Argyll), Dec 22.

MARSH HARRIER Circus aentginosus Clamhan loin 0260 P Scarce, with the majority of records in May. 1994# There were 2 spring records, both of imm MM: 1 Loch Bhasapol (Tiree), May 8-9, and 1 Loch Arail, Knapdale (Mid-Argyll), May 10.

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Breid air toin 0261 B W P Sparse but widespread breeding species. Breeding recorded in forty-eight 10 km sq in Argyll. A total of 471 Argyll chicks were fitted with wing-tags during 1990- 93, as part of a national study by RSPB; details of all sightings of these birds are requested. 1994 During the early part of the year, counts were carried out at 3 roost sites (see Table below). Away from the usual breeding areas, singles were reported from Colonsay (Jan 1) and Tiree (May 10-13), with up to 2 Coll, Apr - May. Breeding. A very poor year, with only 52% of prs that laid producing young. Laying was late, probably due to cold, wet conditions in Apr. Although clutch sizes were generally good, there were heavy losses of eggs and young. Moorland fires in late May caused the loss of 3 nests at Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (Islay) and 1 nest in Cowal, although the F at the latter site re-laid and successfully fledged young. All nesting attempts were monitored in 4 study areas, located in Kintyre (17,700 ha), Islay (23,500 ha), Cowal (19,900 ha) and Mid-Argyll (13,000 ha). A total of 44 nests (9,21,8 and 6 respectively) were located in these areas. In addition, 10 nests were located in areas of Argyll searched less systematically. Breeding perforntance: median laying date for the first egg was May 14 (range Apr 28 - Jun 18) (n = 31 nests); mean clutch size was 4.36 (n = 39); mean brood size at hatching was 2.5 (n = 40); mean number of young fledged per F laying was 1.5 (n = 48); and mean number of young per successful nest was 2.8 1 (n = 27). During Aug - Dec, wandering birds were reported from Colonsay (1 on Aug 25 and 2 on Sep 1l), Mull (1 Iona, Sep 9), Tiree (singles on Nov 1 and Dec 7) and Coll (singles in Aug, Sep and Nov). Roost site counts continued during Oct - Dec at 2 sites (see Table below). The total of 17 birds at the Moine Mhor roost in Nov is the highest since Dec 1991 [M Madders on behalf of Argyll Raptor Study Group].

Counts of Hen Harriers at three roost sites in Argyll in 1994 Jan Feb Mar ... Oct Nov Dec Aros Moss (Kintyre) 444 nc nc nc Loch Gruinart (Islay) 435 12 11-12 8-10 Moine Mhor (Mid-Argyll) 5 11 7 8 17 14

3s SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Speireag 0269 B W P Widespread. Breeding recorded in 36% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Few records were received. An interesting report was of 1 chasing a Dipper, Lusragan Bum, Connel (Mid-Argyll),Jan 9. Breeding. Islay: 2 prs reared 1 young each, Locfi Gruinart RSPB Reserve. A F at Arinagour (Coll), May 13, was outside the known breeding range in recent years (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). In Kintyre, 1 was seen >N well offshore, Machrihanish SBO, Sep 21.

BUZZARD Buteo buteo Clamhan 0287 B W Common in all areas. Breeding recorded in 78% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Islay: 3 monitored prs reared 7 young; 7 territories Rhinns survey. Colonsay: at least 22 prs bred, and at least 12 prs hatched young; av clutch size 1.88 (n = 8) (cf 1.92 in 1993), av brood size 1.5 (n = 8) (cf 1.83 in 1993) [D C Jardine]. Mid-Argyll:poor year reported Taynish NNR, only 1 juv fledged from 2 prs; at least 5 prs Shuna. Tiree: 4 prs monitored, but only 3 prs-proved to breed; 1 pr failed, remaining 2 prs reared 5 young. In autumn, 11 were seen along a 2 km stretch of the A83 nr Westport (Kintyre), Oct

GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos Iolaire ,0296 B W Breeding recorded in 39% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Imms tend to wander in winter and may be recorded in areas where breeding does not occur. 1994 Breeding. Argyll: complete monitoring kformation was obtained from 55 home . ranges. Productivity, a little lower than in 1993, was still close to average. Three home ranges were apparently unoccupied; birds were present in 52 with prs occupy- ing 48. A total of 31 prs definitely bred; eggs hatched in 23 nests and 20 chicks fledged from 18 sites [Argyll Raptor Study Group, M J Gregory, RSPB]. Outside the breeding range, single imms were seen on Oronsay (Colonsay),Mar 20 and Oct 1.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Iolaire iasgach 0301 S P Very scarce breeding species; recent re-colonist. 1994 First spring record Apr 7. Breeding. An excellent season with 3 successful prs rearing 8 young. Additional breeding season reports were received from 4 localities in Mid-Argyll and promise further expansion. Three Jun reports probably referred to wandering imms. Mid-Argyll: 1 Linne Mhuirich, Jun 19; 1Achahoish, Jun 27. Mull: 1 >W Glengorm, Jun 13. There were a few autumn records of dispersing and migrating birds. Islay: 2 Loch Lossit, Aug

39 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 22. Mid-Argyll: 1 Loch Feochan, Jul 14, and up to 3 in the Crinan area, Aug - mid- Sep.

KESTREL Fulco ritimmculus Clamhan ruadh 0304 B W P Widespread but uncommon. Breeding recorded in 41% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Marked decrease in breeding population over pa3t 10 years reported from Kintyre. Population in some other areas appears to fluctuate from year to year. Emigration from some areas in autumn (e.g. Mull). 1994 1 Breeding. Islay: 2 territories Rhinns survey. Largely absent from Colonsay (singles on 3 occasions, Jun - Aug) and Tiree (singles on 3 occasions, Oct - Dec).

MERLIN Fulco columburius Meimeal 0309 B W P Scarce breeding species, probably under-recorded. 1994 Birds were regular on Islay during Jan and Feb, but there was only 1 other record: 1 Machrins (Colonsay), Jan 23. The majority of spring (Mar - May) records were singles seen on Islay, Mull and Tiree. Breeding. Argyll: 1 site apparently unoccupied; data available from 8 occupied sites including 1 new site on Jura. Of these, 6 are thought to have been successful, fledging at least 12 (and probably 17 or more) young; 1 pr failed at the egg stage and the outcome at 1 site is not known. Autumn passage was first noted at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Aug 10. There was a good series of reports from Islay, with birds noted on 24 dates, Aug - Oct. With the exception of 3 at Barrapol (Tiree), Sep 17, all autumn records concerned single birds. After the main autumn passage, the only reports were singles on Islay on 3 dates in Nov and Dec, and at Gribun (Mull), Dec 4.

HOBBY Fulco srrbbureo Gormag 0310 V Four accepted Argyll records since 1980, last in 1988. 1994# An apparently exhausted first-year bird was seen at close range and photographed at Dubh Artach lighthouse (35km WNW of Colonsay), Jun 2 [E Dishon, S Dailly] (accepted ABRC) (see Plate on p. 93). On Islay, a single was at Loch Gorm, Sep 19 [D Gilbert, R McKenzie] (accepted ABRC), and apparently also at Loch Gruinart earlier in the day.

PEREGRINE Fulco peregrinus Seabhag 0320 B W P Sparse but widespread breeding species in all areas. Breeding recorded in fifty-two 10 km squares in 1991 survey [RSPB et al.]. 1994 Breeding. Argyll (excluding Cowal): 6 prs were monitored; 3 of these were successful, fledging 8 young, while 2 sites failed at the egg stage and 1 at the chick stage.

40 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Cowal: 14 sites were monitored; 4 were unoccupied, 5 successful prs fledged 11+ young, 4 prs failed including 1 that was probably robbed, and the outcome at the remaining site was not established [D Anderson, A French]. Outwith the breeding season, singles were widely reported. At Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), an ad F was seen hunting Leach’s Petrels, Sep 11.

RED GROUSE Lagopus Zagopus Coileach fraoich 0329 R Sparsely distributed in moorland and young forestry habitats. Slight increase in recent years? Breeding recorded in 20% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Islay: 7-8 territories Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 9 territories Rhinns survey. No other significant records.

PTARMIGAN Lagopus mutus Tarmachan 0330 R Very localised, generally above 800 m. Breeding recorded in 5% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). All records required. 1994# - Cowal: feathers and signs were reported from Beinn anlochain, Oct 10. This was . the only record.

BLACK GROUSE Tetrao tetrix Caoileach dubh -0332 R Locally distributed. Recent increase in numbers as a result of birds colonising forestry plantations. Breeding recorded in 21% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Birds were recorded in 3 areas. Islay: several records involving a total of at least 5 lekking MM in the southern Rhinns, Apr - Jun; 1 M nr Loch Bharradail, Jun 28. Cowal: 5 MM Glen Finart, Jan 15; 1 M Loch Tarsan, May 24. Mid-Argyll: up to 6 MM and 5 FF at 3 sites nr Oban; 1Ardmaddy Castle, Apr 17; 2 MM at lek Feamoch, Kilmichael Forest, Apr 17, fewer than in previous years; 1 M Kilmichael of Inverlussa, Oct 7. As in 1993, the only confirmed breeding record came from Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (Islay), where a pr reared at least 3 young.

CAPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus Capull coille 0335 R Very rare, but known to have bred in 1993. 1994# Cowal: 1 M and 1 F were seen in Glen Finart, above Ardentinny, at the beginning of the year, but the M was not seen after Mar 28 and was thought to have fallen victim to a predator; 1F Glen Shellish, Oct 10, was an isolated sighting [D Anderson, Forestry Authority].

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE AZectoris rufa Cearc thomain dhearg chasach 0358 1. Birds introduced to several areas, but populations may not be self-sustaining. Some introduced hybrid Red-legged Partridge x Chukar on Islay.

41 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1994# Birds were reported from 2 areas. Islay: a total of 3 records from Kilchiaran during the year, max 3 on May 2. Mid-Argyll: pr Shuna, late May (apparently over 70 were released here in 1993).

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Cearc thomainn 0367 R I Very localised distribution. Birds introduced in several areas, but this does not appear to result in self-sustaining populations. All records required. 1994# Presumed releases were reported from 2 areas. Islay: heard Eresaid, nr Loch Gruinart, Aug 15 and other dates. Mid-Argyll: 1 Shuna, May 22.

QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Gearradh gort 0370 S Rare and irregular visitor. 1994# A bird was heard calling at the RSPB reserve (Coll), Jul8; it stayed for about a week. There were no other records.

PHEASANT Plzasianus colchicus Easag 0394 R Widespread and common. Birds annually reared and released on many estates. Breeding recorded in 41% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Colonsay: est total 20 calling MM. No other significant records.

GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophrts pictits 0396 I An introduced population exists at Gruline (Mull). 1994# The only record was 2 MM Gruline (Mull), Feb 13.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Snagan allt 0407 B W P Scarce, but under-recorded. 1994 There were 2 records during the early part of the year: 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jan 5, and 1 Oban (Mid-Argyll), Mar 15. Breeding. There were breeding season records from 4 areas, with particularly good coverage of Tiree in conjunction with Corncrake census. Islay: 2 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 1 nr Portnahaven, Jul7. Colonsay: 1 East Loch Fada, Jun 22. Tiree: calling birds recorded at 10 sites, May 10 - Jun 12 [G Evans, RSPB]; this species was not recorded as breeding on Tiree in either the 1968-72 Atlas or the 1988-91 Atlas. Coll: 1 RSPB reserve, May. Other than continued presence at Loch Gruinart (Islay), the only records during Aug - Dec came from the South Shim area (N Argyll), where a single was ringed on Dec 2 and a further 2 individuals were seen on Dec 7.

42 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana Traon breac . 0408 S Rare and irregular. First confirmed breeding record for Argyll in 1993. 1994# One was reported calling Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (Islay), May 26, but was not heard subsequently. Also, 1 called persistently at a site on Colonsay, Jun 1-19.

CORNCRAKE Crex crex Traon 0421 S Localised distribution. Breeding mainly on Islay, Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. 1994 A combination of management on reserves and payments to crofters and farmers under a joint RSPB/SNH Corncrake Initiative seems to be paying dividends in the Inner Hebrides, where numbers showed a modest rise and bucked the UK trend of continued steep decline. Breeding. Islay: numbers at Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve increased to 5 calling birds, while elsewhere, 2 sites being managed sympathetically each attracted single birds. However, the decline in the southern Rhinns has continued. Throughout Islay, birds were heard at 15 sites in 1994 but after allowing for movements between sites, only 13 birds are thought to have been involved (cf9 in 1993). Jura: no records. Colonsay: first calling bird Machrins, Apr 15; decline continues, only 5 heard on Colonsay (cf 10 in 1993) but on Oronsay, after several years’ absence, 1 was attracted to an area being managed sympathetically. Mid-Argyll: the only report from the Argyll mainland was 1 Ballachuan SWT Reserve, Balvicar, May 28. Mull: a site on the Ross of Mull was occupied for the second year in succession and 3 were confirmed on Iona (cf4 in 1993); last bird, disturbed while strimming,Aug 31. Tiree: 126 calling birds were located - the highest figure on record. Coll: the number of calling birds has been steadily increasing on the RSPB reserve since management started; 18 birds were heard in 1994 (cf 13 in 1993). For the first time, the whole-island population showed an increase to 25 (cf 19 in 1993).

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Cearc uisge 0424 B W Very localised. Breeding recorded in 16% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 There were only a few records during Jan - Mar. Islay: up to 4 birds Loch Gruinart, Jan, and up to 3 in Mar; 1 Camain, Loch Indaal, Jan 22. Cowal: 2 Kilbride Bay, Mar 26. Breeding. Breeding season records came from 4 areas, but breeding was confirmed only at 3 sites. Kintyre: pr bred Westport Marsh. Islay: several prs bred Loch Gruinart; 1Loch Tallant, May 22. Tiree: 1Balinoe, Apr 27; 1 Cornaigmore, May 4; 1juv Loch a’Phuill, Aug 7. N Argyll: 1 Benderloch, May 15; 1 Tralee, Jun 10. Autumn records were very few.‘ Kintyre: max 5 Lochan Luing, Rhunahaorine, Oct 26. N Argyll: 2 Benderloch, Nov 20.

COOT Fulica atra Lach a bhlair 0429 B W Uncommon. Breeding recorded in only 2% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994

43 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 With the exception of a single at East Loch Fada (Colonsay), Jan 27 - Mar 14, all records during the early part of the year came from Islay and Mid-Argyll. Islay: 5 Loch Skerrols, Jan 26, and 4 on Feb 12. Mid-Argyll: 1 Craiglin, Loch Sween, Jan 8, and 1 nearby at Loch Coille-Bharr, Jan 16; 19 Loch Nell, Mar 2, is the highest Argyll count for several years. Breeding. Kintyre: as in 1993,2prs bred Westport Marsh. No other records. The highest count during Sep - Dec came from Tiree, where numbers on Loch Bhasapol built up gradually from 2 on Sep 17 to 13 on Dec 7. Apart from 3 Lochan Luing, Rhunahaorine (Kintyre), Oct 18, and 1 Oban (Mid-Argyll), Nov 14, all other records came from traditional wintering sites on Islay: 1 Loch Ballygrant, Oct 9; 2 Loch Skerrols, Oct 28; 1 Loch nan Cadhan, Nov 6.

CRANE Grits ,erus 0433 V No Argyll records prior to 1958, but 6 since, all but 1 in late Apr or May. 1993 A single was on Tiree, Apr 29 - May 12 [R A Broad, G Evans et al.] (accepted SBRC). This bird was presumably responsible for the rumour of a Demoiselle Crane on Tiree at the end of April 1993 (see Birding World 6 474).

OYSTERCATCHER Huematopiis ostrulegiis Gille brighde 0450 B W P Widespread and common. Breeding recorded in 70% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 As usual, Islay held the largest numbers during the early part of the year (Fig. 14). Elsewhere, by far the highest counts came from Comal: 350 Holy Loch, Jan 30, and 274 on Feb 13; 450 Blairmore, Feb 3. No other count exceeded 100 birds. Breeding. Islay: 12 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 309 prs Rhinns survey, of which 86% coastal (with main concentrations along flatter rocky coasts), 9% fresh- water lochs and reservoirs, and 5% agricultural land. Mid-Argyll: at least 6 prs Shuna. Tiree: 227 prs SNH survey; area surveyed in 1987/88 showed increase from 58 prs to 101 prs. Coll: 85 prs RSPB reserve. N Argyll: low numbers and low breeding success reported Ledaig Pt. Presumed non-breeders were particularly numerous on Islay in summer (Fig. 14), but also reported from Colonsay: 50 Port Sgibinis, Jun 2, and 67 The Strand, Jun 18. Southward movement of migrants was apparent from midJu1, with parties being noted in Jul as follows: 10 >S Sound of Kerrera (Mid-Argyll), Jul 11, and 21 >S on Jul27; a total of 116 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Jul 18-28; a total of 240 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul27-31. Islay excepted, the highest single count in Jul was 148 Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll), Jul21. As in 1993, numbers at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart (Islay) fell sharply between Jul and Aug (Fig. 14), coinciding with peak southward movement during Aug at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) (972 >S in 101 hr) and at Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) (312 >S in 44 hr). Numbers then remained more or less constant on Islay through to Dec (Fig. 14). Elsewhere, counts exceeding 100 birds were received only from Cowal: max 440 Holy Loch, Nov 6; 150 Otter Ferry, Nov 26.

44 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

1000 1 I 800 600 400 200 n "JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 14 Maximum monthly counts of Oystercatcher at two sealochs on Islay in I994 Black: Loch Indaal White: Loch Gruinart

RINGED PLOVER Charudrius hiaticula Trilleachan traghad 0470 B W P Widespread and common. Breeding recorded in 55% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 During Jan - Mar, numbers at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart (Islay) varied between cu 100 and ca 200 birds (Fig. 15). Elsewhere, the highest count was 50 Ledaig Pt (N Argyll), Feb 13. Numbers rose on Islay during Apr and remained high in May (Fig. 15), when large flocks of presumed passage migrants were also recorded Mull and Tiree. Mull: 110 Camas Cuil an t-Sabh, Iona,Apr 29. Tiree: 91 Vaul Bay, Apr 23; at least 100 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 24, and 62 on May 16; 132 Balinoe, Apr 28; 100 Loch a'Phuill, May 11; 78 Hough Bay, May 16. Small, dark northern birds (possibly C h tundrae) were recorded on passage in Kintyre: 14 Westport Marsh, May 13, and 10 Machrihanish SBO, May 21. Breeding. Islay: 43 prs Rhinns survey, with principal concentration at Bruichladdich. Colonsay: a total of 22 prs (and 5 singles) recorded in Jun count. Tiree: 100 prs SNH survey (1.1 % of British population); 69 prs The Reef represents an increase of 20% cf 1987/88, when 56 prs were recorded. Coll: 14 prs RSPB reserve. N Argyll: low numbers and low breeding success reported Ledaig Pt. Probable non-breeders were present on Islay, late Jun (Fig. 15). Migrants flew >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) from Jul 18, with a total of 40 birds during the month. Totals passing this location in Aug (68 >S in 101 hr) and Sep (57 >S in 98 hr) were relatively low, and autumn migration past Frenchman's Rocks (Islay) was vir- tually non-existent. Away from Islay, where combined totals for Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart regularly exceeded 100 birds (Fig. 15), only 4 counts during Aug - Dec exceeded 40 birds. Mull: 70 Lochdon, Sep 19; 100 Camas Cuil an t-Sabh, Iona, Nov 1. Tiree: 80 Balephetrish Bay, Aug 26. N Argyll: 60 Ledaig Pt, Aug 14.

45 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

350 I 1 300 250 200 150 100 50 'JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 15 Maximum monthly coitnts of Ringed Plover at two sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

GOLDEN PLOVER Phivialis apricaria Feadag 0485 B W P Sparse but widespread breeding species. Upland afforestation has greatly reduced available breeding habitat in some areas. Breeding recorded in 28% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 As in 1993, the highest numbers during Jan - May were on Islay, Coll and especially Tiree. Islay: 184 Loch Indaal, Feb 16; max 250 Loch Gruinart, Apr 27; 180 Port Charlotte, Apr 29; many other counts of smaller flocks. Tiree: 820 The Reef, Mar 29, rising to a max of 1,810 on Apr 28. Coll: up to 630 RSPB reserve, Apr. Else- where, only 4 counts exceeded 50 birds. Kintyre: 70 >S Machrihanish SBO, Mar 13. Colonsay: 130 Oronsay, Feb 10, and 67 on Apr 16. Mull: 60 Iona, Apr 29. Breeding. Possible breeding was reported from Islay (2 sites), Mid-Argyll (2 sites), and Mull (1 site), but the only confirmed breeding record came from a second Mull site: 1 ad and 1 juv Ardmeanach, Jul29. The first large autumn flocks were reported from Tiree: 200 Kilkenneth, Aug 15, with 150 nearby on Sep 7. With the exception of 70 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 26, no other flocks exceeding 50 birds were seen until Oct. Kintyre: 260 Westport, Dec 2. Islay: max 428 Loch Indaal, Oct 14; max 400 Loch Gruinart, Oct 22. Tiree: 440 whole-island count, Oct 18. Coll: up to 155 RSPB reserve, Oct.

GREY PLOVER Plitvialis sqiiararola Trilleachan 0486 P W Uncommon passage migrant, mostly to islands. A few winter. 1994 Up to 11 were at Loch Gruinart (Islay), and up to 3 at Loch Indaal (Islay), during Jan and Feb. There were no other records until late Apr, when 8 were seen at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Apr 29, with 4 still present the following day. The only other spring record was 1 Machrihanish Airport (Kintyre), May 14. A rather unusual record of 4 Salum Bay (Tiree), Jun 26, presumably involved non- breeding birds. The first returning migrant was 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 9. Birds were recorded

46 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 from several areas during mid-Sep - mid-Oct, including, unusually, Mid-Argyll. Kin- tyre: 2 >S Machrihanish SBO, Sep 22, and 1 >S on’ Oct 6. Islay: max 28 Loch Gruinart, Sep 26; 1 Port Wemyss, Sep 30. Colonsay: 1 Oronsay, mid-Oct. Mid- Argyll: 2 Loch Crinan, Sep 25,3 on Oct 3-9; 6 Ardpatrick, Sep 26; 6 Loch na Cille, Oct 10. Mull: 1 Lochdon, Sep 23. Tiree: 2 Loch a’Phuill, Sep 17; 1 Gott Bay, Oct 11. Birds were still present on Islay into Nov: max 13 Loch Gruinart, Nov 2; max 20 Loch Indaal, Nov 27; rnax 2 Ardnave Pt, Nov 6. The only Dec record was 2 Loch na Cille (Mid-Argyll), Dec 27.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Carracag 0493 B W P Localised breeder and widespread wintering species associated with rough pasture, arable fields and machair. Breeding recorded in 48% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 During the early part of the year, the highest counts came from Kintyre and Islay. Kintyre: following influx in Dec 1993, up to 1,300 The Laggan, Jan, and up to 2,050 in Feb (cfonly 110 in early 1993). Islay: up to 450 Loch Gruinart, Jan - Mar (cf1,585 in Feb 1993); max 455 Loch Indaal, Jan 26; 65 Saligo, Mar 25. Elsewhere, no count exceeded 50 birds. Breeding. Kintyre: 10 prs Westport Marsh. Islay: 297 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (cf260 prs in 1993); 177-186 prs Rhinns survey, with concentrations nr Loch Gorm, Lossit and Portnahaven. Colonsay: good breeding success reported due to Hooded Crow cull. Mid-Argyll: at least 6 prs Shuna; absent from 3 regular sites Connel area. Tiree: 491 prs SNH survey. Coll: 124 prs RSPB reserve. N Argyll: 8 prs Achallader, Loch Tulla. The highest counts during Aug - Dec came from Islay and Coll. Islay: 98 Loch Gruinart, Sep 26, increasing to 348 on Nov 24; 65 Portnahaven, Oct 21; max 270 Loch Indaal, Nov 24. Coll: up to 332 RSPB reserve, Sep, but fewer Oct and Dec. Elsewhere, the only counts exceeding 50 birds were 58 Gigha, Oct 26, and 60 Fidden (Mull), Nov 4. 1993 Breeding. Islay: 122 prs in 384 ha area Ardnave [RSPB].

KNOT Calidris canutus Luatharan gainmhich 0496 W P Uncommon passage migrant with main passage Aug - Sep. A few winter. 1994 The only records during Jan - May came from Loch Indaal (Islay): max 27 on Jan 26, last 12 on May 9. Eight birds at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jun 28, were presumably non-breeders. Num- bers >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) during autumn were very low cf1993, with only 90 >S (262 hr) at the former site during Jul -Sep, and none at the latter. Most records came from Islay, with max 8 1Loch Indaal, Sep 27, and max 25 Loch Gruinart, Nov 24. Elsewhere, there were single records from Colonsay, Mid-Argyll, Mull and N Argyll, the highest count being 21 >N Sound of Kerrera (Mid-Argyll), Sep 13.

47 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 SANDERLING Culidris alba Luatharan glas 0497 W P Uncommon passage migrant with main passage May and Aug. A few winter, mainly on Islay and Tiree. Occasionally recorded in summer. 1994 The only records during Jan - mid-Mar came from Islay: max 16 Loch Gruinart, Jan 18; max 2 Loch Indaal, Mar 16. Most spring (Apr and May) records came from Islay and Tiree, but while no count on Islay exceeded 4 birds, much higher numbers were recorded on Tiree: 50 Caoles, Mar 25; max 130 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 14; 60 Gott Bay, Apr 14; max 33 Vaul Bay, Apr 23; 40 Salum Bay, Apr 14; 120 whole island, May 13. The only other spring records came from Mull (5 Iona, Apr 29) and Col1 (5 Crossapol Bay, May 8). Last 3 Loch Indaai (Islay), May 23. Two birds at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jun 28, were presumably non-breeders. There was a total of 120 >S (199 hr) Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Aug and Sep. Else- where, autumn counts of 25 or more birds came only from Islay and Tiree. Islay: max 25 Loch Indaal, Sep 1; max 33 Ardnave, Sep 18. Tiree: 95 Hough Bay, Aug 4; 45 Gott Bay, Aug 4; max 40 Balephetrish Bay, Aug 28. Away from these areas, singles at Ledaig Pt (N Argyll), Aug 7, and Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll), Aug 25, were the only records. Records during Oct - Dec were confined to Loch Gruinart and adjacent sites on Islay, with a max of 32 on Nov 24.

LITTLE STINT Culidris miniita Luatharan beag 0501 P Scarce. 1994# There was a single spring record and 2 autumn records. Spring. Kintyre: 1 Westport Marsh, May 21-22. Aiitumrz. Kintyre: 1 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 5. Colonsay: 1 The Strand, Sep 12.

CURLEW SANDPIPER Culidris ferrztgirzeu Luatharan crom 0509 P Scarce and irregular. 1994# The only record was 1 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 12-13.

PURPLE SANDPIPER Culidris nzuritimu Luatharan rioghail 0510 W P Widely distributed along rocky coasts Aug - May. 1994 Birds were reported from 5 areas during Jan - May, the majority of records being from Islay. Kintyre: 8 wintered nr Machrihanish SBO, Jan - Mar. Islay: max 16 Bruichladdich, Mar 24; 1 Rubha na Faing, Mar 11; 4 Port Charlotte, May 8. Cowal: 1 Dunoon, Jan 30, was the only mainland record of the year. Tiree: 16 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 15. Coll: 1 Crossapol Bay, May 8. Last 1 Bruichiaddich (Islay), May 16. The first autumn record was 3 Traigh an Luig, Loch Indaal (Islay), Oct 1. There were further records during Oct - Dec from 4 locations, all on Islay: 8 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Oct 31, 16 >N on Nov 5,4 >N on Nov 8; 1 Ardnave Pt, Nov 9; 17 Port Charlotte, Dec 26; max 6 Bruichladdich, Dec 27.

48 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

DUNLIN Calidris alpina Graillig 0512 B W P Very localised breeding species. Breeding recorded in 20% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Majority recorded on passage with smaller numbers wintering. 1994 Following high numbers at the end of 1993, over 1,000 birds were on Islay at the beginning of the year (Fig. 16). The only other count exceeding 50 birds during Jan - Mar was 250 Kim, Dunoon (Cowal), Jan 28-30. Numbers on Islay showed little sign of the spring peak noted in 1993 (Fig. 16), but there were some high counts on Tiree in late Apr: max 225 Vaul Bay, Apr 23; max 300 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 24. Elsewhere, only small numbers were recorded. Breeding. Islay: 5 prs Gruinart RSPB reserve; 14-15 prs Rhinns survey, on short wet heath around peaty lochans, with a nest found at 1 site and a young bird at another. Tiree: 143 prs SNH survey (1.5% of British population), but numbers in an area previously surveyed showed a 60% decline from 243 prs in 1987188 to 109 prs in 1994, possibly associated with the dry spring of 1994. Coll: 6 singing MM RSPB -.. reserve. Nearly 200 birds at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jun 28, may have been returning migrants (Fig. 16). Southward movement was noted in Jul at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay). The total of 335 >S past the former site, Jul 18-31, was not exceeded later in the autumn. Numbers on Islay reached 400 in Jul, then apparently declined before increasing again during Oct - Dec (Fig. 16). Elsewhere, the only counts exceeding 50 birds were 70 Ardrishaig (Mid-Argyll),Dec 18, and 102 on Dec 29, both being unusually high counts for the mainland in winter.

1200 1 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Month Fig. 16 Maximum monthly counts ofDunlin at two sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola falcinellus 0514 V No previous Argyll records. 1994# A single was seen briefly at Balephetrish Bay (Tiree), May 13 [PAFraser, C Murphy] (accepted BBRC). This species has only been recorded twice before in the western half of Scotland (Stranraer, May 1983, and North Uist, June 1983).

49 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 RUFF Philomaclius piignax Gibeagan 0517 P Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. 1994 As in 1993, birds were recorded only from Kintyre, Islay and Tiree. Spring. Kintyre: 1 Westport Marsh, May 13-14. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Apr 21-22; 2 Lyrabus, nr Loch Gruinart, May 13; 1 Kilchoman, May 14; 1 Loch Gruinart, May 18. Autumn. Kintyre: 1 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 26. Islay: up to 4 Loch Gruinart, Sep 12-18, and 2 on Oct 8. Tiree: up to 5 Crossapol, Sep 11-12.

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimiis Gobhrag bheag 0518 W P Probably under-recorded. 1994# A total of 7 records were received, all within the periods Feb - Apr and Sep - Oct. Spring. Kintyre: 1 Rhunahaorine Pt, Apr 10. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Feb 14, and 1 on Mar 22; 2 Coultorsay,Apr 5. Tiree: 1 The Reef, Apr 16. Aurumn. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Sep 26; 1 Killinallan, Oct 30.

SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Naosg 0519 B W P Widespread, locally common. Breeding recorded in 51% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Kintyre: 2 prs Westport Marsh. Islay: 41 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; est 51 prs Rhinns survey, with the highest densities on agricultural land. Tiree: est total 300 prs SNH survey (0.1% of the British population). Coll: 85 drumming birds, RSPB reserve. The highest autumn counts came from Islay (max 25 Loch Gruinart, Aug) and Tiree (at least 40 Kilkenneth, Aug 15). Also, 16 flew >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 10. No other significant records.

WOODCOCK Scolopax riisticola Coileach coille 0529 B W P Widespread but under-recorded distribution. Breeding recorded in 35% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Colonsay: est total 25 roding birds. Mid-Argyll: at least 4 prs in the northern half of Shuna. No other significant records.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Cearra ghob 0532 P Regular in recent years on Islay and Tiree, both in spring and in autumn. Scarcer elsewhere. 1994 The great majority of records came from Islay and Tiree. During Jan - Mar, birds were recorded only on Islay: 1 Loch Indaal, Jan 26 and Feb 14; 1 Loch Gruinart, Feb

50 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 2, then 8 Ardnave, Mar 3. During Apr and May, records were also received from Tiree. Islay: max 31 Loch Gruinart, Apr 24; 4 Loch Indaal, May 9. Tiree: an ex- . tremely high total of 163 birds in the Loch Bhasapol area, Apr 29, may be Argyll’s highest-ever count; 20 An Fhaodail, Apr 30; further counts of 1-10 birds, May 1-6. Last 6 Ardnave Loch (Islay), May 27. The first returning migrant was at Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jull4, with 23 birds nearby at Ardnave Loch on Jul30. Up to 2 birds remained in this area to Nov 6, with 1 still present on Nov 17. Elsewhere, birds were reported from Kintyre, Mid-Argyll and Tiree. Kintyre: 8 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 8. Mid-Argyll:2 Loch Crinan, Jul22, then 1 to Aug 25; 1 Loch na Cille, Sep 11. Tiree: 3 Kenovay, Aug 1; 10 Kilkenneth, Aug 15.

& BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lupponicu Cearra ghob mhor 0534 W P Uncommon passage migrant, most records in autumn. Wintering birds on Islay and small numbers elsewhere. Regular Islay in summer. 1994 Numbers on Islay were the lowest since 1989. During the early part of the year, up to 78 were at Loch Indaal (Islay) in Jan, and up to 27 at Loch Gruinart (Islay) in Feb, but numbers then declined through to May. Elsewhere, all counts were in single figures. Colonsay: 4 The Strand, Jan 16. Mid-Argyll: up to 9 Loch Crinan, Feb, fewer in other months. Mull: 1 Lochdon, Apr 18. Tiree: several counts of up to 5 birds, Apr and May. In Jun and Jul, birds were absent from all areas exc Islay (9 Loch Indaal, Jun 24,6 on Jul21; 32 Loch Gruinart, Jun 28) and Tiree (1 Loch a’Phuil1, .Tun 7; 2 Salum Bay, Jun 26). During Aug - early Oct, small numbers were reported from several areas, but counts exceeding 10 birds came only from Kintyre and Islay. Kintyre: 22 >S Machrihanish SBO, Sep 11. Islay: 12 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug 19; max 105 Loch Gruinart, Sep 26; max 23 Loch Indaal, Sep 27. Nov and Dec records were confined to Islay and Mid-Argyll. Islay: max 52 Loch Gruinart, Nov 24; max 44 Loch Indaal, Dec 12. Mid-Argyll:max 11 Loch Crinan, Nov 5.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Eun bealltain 0538 P Uncommon. Main passage May and Aug. Possibility of a few individuals summering? 1994 First 2 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Apr 15, then 10 Loch a’Phuill (Tiree), Apr 20. Birds were reported from several areas by the end of Apr, and the main passage continued to mid-May. Small numbers were reported from all areas except Gigha, Jura, Lismore and N Argyll, with counts of 10 or more birds from Kintyre, Islay, Mull and Tiree. Kintyre: 10 Machrihanish SBO, Apr 23, and 25 on May 2. Islay: highest counts 20 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, May 6, and 20 Gartnatra, Loch Indaal, May 9. Mull: 19 >N Iona, Apr 29. Tiree: 11The Reef, May 1. Last spring birds 4 Claddach, nr Portnahaven (Islay), May 30. Presumed non-breeders were seen Islay and Tiree in late Jun. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Jun 28; 1 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Jun 30. Tiree: 2 Salum Bay, Jun 26. Following a

51 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 few early Jul records from Islay, migrants were seen more regularly in the second half of the month, with passage continuing to early Sep. The only counts exceeding 5 birds were 6 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul29, and 9 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Aug 27. There were only 2 records after mid-Sep: 3 Gigha, Oct 7, and 4 Traigh an Luig, Loch Indaal (Islay), Oct 15.

CURLEW Niimenius arquara Guilbneach 0541 B W P Common. Breeding recorded in 50% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Relatively few counts were received. During the early part of the year, only Islay and Comal reported counts of 100 or more birds. Islay: over 600 birds at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart, Jan, abparently declining subsequently (Fig. 17); 100 Lossit Bay, Feb 13. Cowal: 101 Holy Loch, Feb 13. Breeding. Islay: 30 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 99 prs Rhinns survey, mostly away from coastal areas and with the majority of territories (62%) on the uplands. Mid-Argyll: at least 2 prs Moine Mhor NNR. On Islay, numbers at Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart exceeded 500 birds by late Jun, and then rose to a peak in Aug - Sep (Fig. 17). Elsewhere, the only count exceeding 100 birds during Ju1 - Dec was 129 Holy Loch (Cowal), Aug 21. 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 JFMAMJJASO-N-D m Fig. 17 Maximum monthly coitnts of Curlew at two sealochs on Islay in 1994 Black: Loch Indaal White: Loch Gruinart

REDSHANK Tringa rotanus Cam ghlas 0546 B W P Localised breeder. Breeding recorded in 40% of 10 km sa., (BTOAtlas, 1988- 9 1). Widespread passage migrant and wintering species. 1994 During the early part of the year, counts of 20 or more birds were received from Islay, Cowal and Mid-Argyll. Islay: max 37 Loch Gruinart, Jan 18; max 33 Loch Indaal, Jan 26. Comal: max 41 Holy Loch, Jan 30. Mid-Argyll: up to 20 Loch Crinan, Feb. Breeding. Coverage was more extensive than usual. Kintyre: 2 prs Westport Marsh. Islay: 109 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (cf 68 prs in 1993); 46-48 prs Rhinns survey, concentrated in a few localities with the largest numbers around Loch Gorm. Colonsay: 23 prs counted, similar to 1993. Mid-Argyll: 3 prs probably bred Moine

52 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Mhor NNR. Tiree: 23 1 prs SNH survey, with the area surveyed in 1987/88 showing a 50% increase in prs, from 87 to 132. Coll: 54 prs RSPB reserve. N Argyll: usual pr did not breed Benderloch gravel pit. Southward migration past seawatching locations was apparent during Jul-Sep. Kin- tyre: totals of 118 >S (63 hr) Machrihanish SBO, Jul, 131 >S (101 hr) in Aug, and 208 >S (98 hr) in Sep. Islay: a total of 114 >S Frenchman's Rocks, Aug 19-29, with max 86 >S (9 hr), Aug 28. Otherwise, counts exceeding 20 birds during Aug - Dec came only from"Islay,Cowal and Mid-Argyll. Islay: 23 Port Wemyss, Aug 12; max 62 Loch Gruinart, Nov 24; max 27 Loch Indaal, Dec 12. Cowal: max 33 Holy Loch, Sep 25. Mid-Argyll: max 38 Loch Crinan, Aug 30, was an exceptionally high count for this site. 1993 Breeding. Islay: 41 prs in 384 ha area Ardnave [RSPB].

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Deoch bhuidhe 0548 B W"P Very scarce breeding species (only in Mull and N Argyll in recent years). Breeding recorded in 4% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Small numbers on __ passage with a few birds wintering in some localities. 1994 Singles and groups of up to 6 birds were recorded from 4 areas during Jan - May. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Jan 18, Feb 14, and May 7. Colonsay: 6 The Strand, Jan 15. Mid-Argyll: 1 Taynish and 2 Loch Crinan, Apr 10. Mull: regularly present head of Loch Scridain, Jan - Apr, with up to 4 in Feb and Mar. Breeding. Birds were recorded in suitable breeding habitat in 3 areas. Mid-Argyll:

~ single at 1 site, mid-May. Mull: pr at 1 site, Jun. N Argyll: single birds at 2 sites, Apr. Returning birds were seen from late Jun, with 3 >S Frenchman's Rocks (Islay) and 1 Salum Bay (Tiree) on Jun 26. Most records during Jul - Sep came from Islay (7 records involving 1-3 birds), but birds were also recorded in Kintyre, Jura, Cowal, Mid-Argyll and Mull, the highest count being 5 Lochdon (Mull), late Aug. With the exception of 1 Ardpatrick (Mid-Argyll), Oct 24, all records during Oct - Dec came from Mull, the highest count being 6 head of Loch Scridain, Oct 9.

GREEN SANDPIPER Diizga ochropus Luatharan uaine 0553 P Scarce. 1994# Following a blank year in 1993, there were 3 records, all in autumn. Kintyre: 1 >N Machrihanish SBO, Jul25. Islay: 2 Loch Gruinart, Sep 7, 1 still present Sep 9; 1 >S Frenchman's Rocks, Sep 21.

WOOD SANDPIPER Dinga glareola .Luatharan coille 0554 P Scarce. 1994#- Up to 2 birds were at Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 13-18, and a single was at Westport Marsh (Kintyre), May 25-26.

53 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Luatharan 0556 S P Widespread and common breeding visitor. Breeding recorded in 68% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Minard Pt (Mid-Argyll), Apr 16. Also recorded from Kintyre, Islay, Cowl and Mull by Apr 24. Breeding. Islay: 26 prs Rhinns survey, 21 of which were coastal. Colonsay: 26 prs in partial count. Departure was characteristicallyearly, with southward movement past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) reaching 30 >S (63 hr) in Jul but only 18 >S (101 hr) in Aug. There were only 2 Sep records: 1 Dunollie, Oban (Mid-Argyll), Sep 10, and 2 Kilbride Bay (Cowal), Sep 23.

TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Trilleachan beag 0561 W P Widespread and common on rocky shorelines and seaweed strandlines, mainly Aug - May. 1994 The highest counts during the early part of the year came from Islay and Tiree. Islay: over 100 birds present Loch Indaal and Loch Gruinart, Jan - Apr (Fig. 18). Tiree: SO Balephetrish - Vaul, Mar 27; 40 Balephetrish Bay, Apr 14-15; 168 The Reef, Apr 26. Elsewhere, the only count exceeding 25 birds was 30 Iona (Mull), Apr 29. Numbers were much lower in May, on Islay (Fig. 18) as elsewhere. There were a few late Jun records, presumably involving non-breeders. Islay: 2 Loch Indaal, Jun 24; 6 Loch Gruinart, Jun 28. Mid-Argyll: 3 McCormaig Is, Jun 30. Tiree: 5 Salum Bay, Jun 26. There was relatively little southward movement past seawatching locations during Jul - Sep, and numbers on Islay did not build up appreciably until Sep (Fig. 18). Elsewhere, the only count exceeding 25 birds during Jul - Dec was 112 Balephetrish Bay (Tiree), Oct 16.

200 I 1 150 100 50 n -JFMAMJJASOND Month

Fig. 18 Maximum monthly counts of Turnstone at two sealochs on Islay in I994 Black: Loch Indaal (LI) White: Loch Gruinart

54 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus Deargan allt 0564 S P Rare breeder at 1 locality only. Very rare on migration elsewhere. 1994 For the second year in succession there were no records from Argyll’s only breeding site.

GREY PHALAROPE Phalal-opusfulical-ius Liathag allt 0565 P Irregular. 1994# 4 An individual in breeding plumage was at Pennygown (Mull), Jul3-12.

POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus Fasgadair donn 0566 P Scarce, with most records in autumn. 1994# An early imm flew >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar 16. The only other spring record was 6 >N past the S end of Tiree, May 28. As in 1993, nearly all autumn records came from 2 seawatching locations. Kintyre: 1 ad >N Machrihanish SBO, Aug 19,l ad >S on Aug 29,4 ads and 3 juvs >S on Sep 9, and 1 ad >S on Sep 11. Islay: 1 sub-ad >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug 14, single ads >S on Aug 28 and Sep 11, and 1juv >S on Sep 21. Elsewhere, the only record was 2 Kennacraig - Islay crossing (Mid-Argyll),Oct 1.

ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Fasgadair 0567 S P The commonest skua in Argyll, regularly seen in small numbers nr large seabird colonies. Small breeding colonies on Jura and Coll. Passage birds off all coasts Apr - Oct. 1994 First 1 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre),Apr 8. There were a further 2 records (involving 3 birds) in Apr, and scattered records of passage migrants during May. Breeding. Coll: 33 prs. No other breeding records but birds seen widely in Argyll during Jun and Jul, the highest count being 4 East Loch Fada (Colonsay),Jun 20. Most autumn records came from 2 seawatching locations. Kintyre: total 25 >S (101 hr) Machrihanish SBO, Aug, and 35 >S (98 hr) in Sep, with a peak count of 27 >S (7.5 hr) on Sep 11. Islay: total 43 >S and 1>N (44 hr) Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug, and 22 >S (24 hr), Sep, with a peak count of 20 >S (9 hr), Aug 28; also 5 >S Coul Pt, Sep 11. All other records involved 1-3 birds. Late birds were seen off Islay on Oct 3 1 (2 Frenchman’s Rocks) and Nov 1 (1 >S Frenchman’s Rocks and 1 Bunnahabhainn). Of 63 birds passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul - Sep, the vast majority were ads (Fig. 19).

55 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

Fig. 19 Ages and plumage details of Arctic Skuas passing Machrihanisli SBO (Kintyre),Jill - Sep I994

GREAT SKUA Srercorarius skua Fasgadair mor 0569 S P Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor. Bred unsuccessfully on Coll in 1989. 1994 Following a westerly gale, an early individual was found dead on a road nr Machrihanish (Kintyre), Mar 25. The only other spring records were 1 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Apr 9,l >N Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Apr 22,l at sea off Coll, May 27, and a late single >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Jun 7. Following 1 flying over heather moorland nr Port Charlotte (Islay), Jul2, and 1 at Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Jul 5, there were scattered records from Kintyre and Islay during Aug - mid-Oct, peak counts being 7 >S (9 hr) Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Aug 28, and 5 >S (9 hr) Coul Pt (Islay), Sep 10. Last 1 >W overland nr Daill, Crinan Canal (Mid-Argyll), Oct 27.

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Crann fhaoileag 0578 P Scarce. 1994# Following a very poor showing in 1992 and 1993 (0 and 1 record respectively), a total of 7 were recorded in 1994. Spring. Kintyre: 1 first-summer Westport Marsh, May 1. Islay: 1 first-winter Portnahaven area, Mar 23-3 1. Tiree: 1 first-summer in tern colony, The Reef, May 13 - Jun 5. Autumn. Kintyre: 1 first-summer in tern colony, Machrihanish, Jul24 - Aug 5; 1juv >S Machrihanish SBO, Sep 11. Islay: 1 juv >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Sep 4; 1 first- winter >S Coul Pt, Sep 10.

SABINE’S GULL Larus sabini 0579 P Mainly autumn. Formerly irregular but, with recent increased interest in seawatching, recorded annually in Argyll since 1989.

56 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1994# An excellent autumn for this species, with records from 2 seawatching locations. Kintyre: 1juv >S Machrihanish SBO, Aug 28, and 1 ad >S on Sep 10 [E J Maguirel (accepted ABRC). Islay: 1 ad >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Aug 15, and 4juvs >S on Sep 11 [T ap Rheinallt] (accepted ABRC).

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus Faoileag a’chinn duibh 0582 R W P Common except outer islands. Breeding mostly coastal, usually on small islands. Breeding recorded in 16% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 As in 1993, the highest spring counts came from Islay: max 112 Loch Gruinart, Apr 26; max 163 Loch Indaal, Apr 29. Breeding. Kintyre/Mid-Argyll/Lismore/N Argyll: in the SAMs study area, 6 colonies with a total of 351-353 prs were noted, of which 2 colonies (3 and 8-10 prs) were not followed up. Two colonies (152 and 1 prs) suffered from mink predation and fledged no young, while at 2 colonies where mink predation was notobserved, 139 and 48 prs fledged 70-100 and 20 young respectively. Thus, overall, 4 monitored colonies with 340 prs fledged 90-120 young (0.26-0.35 young/pr). The following former colony sites were unoccupied in 1994 (year of last known occupation given in parentheses). All but 1 (Tayvallich) had experienced 1 or more years of breeding failure known to have been caused by mink, at Tayvallich the cause of desertion is not known but is likely to have been mink predation. Kintyre: islet, West Loch Tarbert (1993). Mid-Argyll: islet, Whitehouse Bay, nr Ardrishaig (1993); islet, Tayvallich Harbour (ca 1988); Liath Sgeir, Lunga (1993); Eilean Fada, Loch Caolisport (1993). Mull: Eilean nan Caorach, Grass Pt (ca 1991). There were further breeding records from 4 areas. Kintyre: 2 prs Westport Marsh. Colonsay: 14 prs in 2 colonies. Mid-Argyll: 2 prs Linne Mhuirich, a continued decline (cf6 prs in 1993). Tiree: 294 prs SNH survey. Autumn counts exceeded 100 birds at only 2 locations: 152 Loch Indaal (Islay), Sep 27, and 107 Loch Crinan (Mid-Argyll), Oct 9.

RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis 0589 W P Rare. First Argyll record Tiree, Jan 1983. Now more or less annual. 1994# An ad (possibly the returning bird from 1991) was discovered at Port Charlotte (Islay), Mar 14, and remained into Apr [G Pollinger, J Chalmers, A West, T Johnston et al.] (accepted SBRC); there were some unconfirmed reports subsequently,but the only details received related to a sighting at Bowmore, Sep 5 [D Walker, S Eaves].

COMMON GULL Lams canus Faoileag 0590 B W P Widespread and common breeding species. Colonies both coastal, where mostly on small islands, and by inland waters. Breeding recorded in 45% of 10 km sq (BTOAtlas, 1988-91). 1994 During Jan - Apr, the only counts exceeding 250 birds came from Islay: up to 350

57 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Loch Gruinart, Feb; 310 Loch Indaal,Apr29. Of a sample of 215 passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) during Mar and Apr, 33% were ads. Breeding. KintyrefMid-ArgyllLismordNArgyll: in the SAMs study area, 32 colonies with 1,131 prs were noted. Breeding success was monitored at 21 of these colonies.

Colonies Prs Fledged Colonies fledging I no yoitrig Mink not detected 4 118 50-52 0

Mink predation definite 11 519 26-42 8or9

Mink predation suspected 5 105 0-2 4or5

Mink were killed 1 281 200-300 0

Thus, in total, 21 monitored colonies with 1,023 prs fledged 276-396 young (0.27- 0.39 younglpr). Islay: 411 birds at 14 small colonies Rhinns survey, the largest colony holding 85 birds. Cowal: ca 100 prs Loch Tarsan, predation occurring but not thought to be due to mink despite their presence locally. Mid-Argyll: a total of 57 sitting birds were counted at colonies on 3 lochs in the Eredine Forest area, May 25, but none remained on Jul7. Tiree: 98 prs SNH survey. A few other small colonies were reported from these and other areas, none exceeding 6 prs. The only autumn count exceeding 250 birds was 314 Loch Indaal (Islay), Nov 24.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL britsfuscits Faoileag bheag 0591 S P Common breeding species, generally present Mar - Sep. Breeds coastally, almost always on small islands in association with Herring Gull. Breeding recorded in 20% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). A few remain in winter. 1994 The only Jan records were 4 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Jan 13, and 1 Blairmore (Comal), Jan 20. In Feb, 1 flew >N Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Feb 20, with a further 19 birds by the end of the month. On Islay, there was a total of 11 >S Frenchman’s Rocks, Feb 12-26, with a further 11 >N (1 hr), Feb 28. The only other Feb record was 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Feb 27. Of 239 birds passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in Mar and Apr, 95% were ads. Breeding. KintyreMid-Argyll/Lismore/N Argyll: in the SAMs study area, 8 colonies with a total of 1,080-1,155 prs were noted, all on islands where larger numbers of Herring Gulls were also breeding. Five colonies were monitored; mink were present at all 5. Two (550-600 prs total) fledged no young and 2 (400 prs total) fledged a total of ca 60 young. At the fifth, mink were killed in May and 70 prs fledged ca 30 young. Thus overall, 5 colonies with 1,020-1,070 prs fledged ca 90 young (0.08 younglpr). Tiree: 122 prs SNH survey.

58 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 In autumn, the highest single count was 700 Kiloran Bay-(Colonsay),Aug 3. South: ward passage past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) peaked during Aug, with a total of 166 >S (101 hr) during the month, 70% of which were juvs; only 20 >S (98 hr) in Sep (18 juvs). Southward movement past Frenchman's Rocks (Islay) also peaked in Aug, the highest count being 180 >S (9 hr), Aug 28. Only 3 records, all from Islay, were received for the period mid-Oct - Dec: 1 juv/first-winter Machir Bay, Oct 15; 1 ' ad >S Frenchman's Rocks, Oct 28, and 1 first-winter >S on Dec 8.

HERRING GULL Lai-us argentatus Faoileag an sgadain 0592 B W P Widespread and abundant breeding species. Breeds coastally, almost always on small islands. Breeding recorded in 33% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some evidence for immigration into Argyll in winter; colour-ringing studies have shown that these birds are probably from the Clyde and NE England. 1994 Of a sample of 593 birds passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) during Mar and Apr, 22% were ads. Breeding. Kintyre/Mid-Argyll/Lismore/NArgyll: in the SAMs study area, breeding success was monitored at 22 colonies.

Colonies Prs Fledged Colonies fledging no young Mink not detected 8 1081 720-760 0 I Mink predation occurred 12 2315 355-380 4 Mink were killed 2 338 300 1

Thus, in total, 22 monitored colonies with 3,734 prs fledged 1,375-1,440young (0.37- - 0.39 chickdpr). Tiree: 150'prs SNH survey. No count during the year exceeded 500 birds.

ICELAND GULL Lams glaucoides Faoileag liath 0598 W Scarce. 1994 Records during Jan - Jun were confined to Islay, Mid-Argyll and Tiree. Islay: 1 first-winter Laggan, Jan 1, perhaps the same in the Bowmore area, Jan 26. Mid- Argyll: at least 2 imms Oban during Mar and Apr, 1 remaining to Jun 23. Tiree: 1 found dead Balephetrish Bay, Apr 16. There were no further records until Dec, when a first-winter was seen at Scallastle . Bay (Mull), Dec 19, and the same or another at Oban (Mid-Argyll),Dec 27.

I 59 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

GLAUCOUS GULL Lurus hyperboreus Faoileag mhor 0599 W Scarce. 1994 There were records from 6 locations on Islay between Jan 16 and May 8, but these could all have been accounted for by as few as 2 or 3 individuals; a long-staying second-calendar-yearbird was seen intermittently at Uiskentuie, Loch Indaai, Feb 11 - May 23. Elsewhere, the only record during the first half of the year was a fourth- calendar-year bird at Oban (Mid-Argyll), Apr 26. Following a second- or third-calendar-year bird in the Sound of Mull (Mull) on the rather unusual date of Jui 4, 1 ad was at Oban (Mid-Argyll), Sep 23. The only other record during the second half of the year was 1 second-winter Loch Gruinart (Islay), Dec 30.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Lurus marinus Farspag 0600 B W Common and widespread. Breeds coastally, usually on small islands, often as single prs, usually associated with Herring Gull. Breeding recorded in 22% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 The highest count during the early part of the year was 90 Blairmore (Cowal), Jan 3. Of 313 birds aged at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar -Apr, 51%were ads. Breeding. KintyrdMid-ArgyllLismordNArgyll: in the SAMs study area, birds were noted breeding on 36 islands. Of these, 14 held single prs and 14 held 2-10 prs, usually scattered singly among much larger numbers of Herring or Lesser Black- backed Gulls. The other 8 colonies ranged in size from 11 to 43 prs. Six of these were monitored: a total of 155 prs reared at least 111 large chicks (0.72 chicks/pr). Tiree: 98 prs SNH survey. The highest count during the latter half of the year came from Loch Crinan (Mid- Argyll), with 82 birds on Oct 9.

KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Ruideag 0602 B P Strictly marine, breeding on cliffs. Main colonies are on Islay, Colonsay,Treshnish Is (Mull) and Tiree. 1994 During the early part of the year, southward movement of birds past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) did not show a clear temporal pattern, but was highest in Jan and lowest in Feb (seeTable below). Rates of movement past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in Mar and Apr were more or less equal, but no significant movement occurred in May and Jun. During Mar and Apr, the proportion of ads in aged samples at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) (82%,n = 1,927) was lower than at Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) (92%, n = 1,919). Breeding. Colonsay: 14 nests, av 41.29 Port Ban, Jun. Tiree: 232 AON Ceann a’Mhara, May 17, and 587 on Jun 10 (cf338 on Jun 12 1993, but 555 on Ju118 1993). Autumn movements past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) peaked in Aug, while numbers >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) were highest in Sep (see Table below). Else- where, the highest count was 750 Sound of Mull (Mull), Aug 5. The first juvs were seen off Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) on Aug 4 and Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) on

60 I SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Aug 8. The proportion of juvs in aged samples at both sites rose to a peak in Sep, being higher at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) (64%, n = 1,216) than at Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) (53%, n = 192). Average number of Kittiwakes moving south per hour past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) in 1994

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

MachSBO - - 23 24 0 0 5 17 25 - F/R 117 39 73 97 66 96 73 133 78 99 78 91

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Steamag mhor 0611 B P Very rare and irregular breeding species. Uncommon passage migrant. 1994 A single >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), M~ 31, was exceptionally early for Ar- gyll. Spring records were few and far between compared to 1993, being confined to Kintyre (22 >S (70 hr) Machrihanish SBO, Apr), Islay (4 records), Cowal(1 record) and Mid-Argyll (1 record). The highest count was 5 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kin- tyre), Apr 25, and the last spring bird was 1 Port Wemyss (Islay), May 27. Breeding. Two prs summered in the Machrihanish (Kintyre) tern colony, and a pr was seen feeding 2 unfledged young, late Jul. This is the first confirmed Argyll breeding record for several years. Also, apr was in the tern colony at Sgeir na Caillich, Loch Melfort (Mid-Argyll), May 27, but apparently did not breed. Birds were reported in autumn from Kintyre (6 records), Islay (2 records) and Cowal (1 record). No record concerned more than 3 birds. An exceptionally late single flew >SW over Rhunahaorine Pt (Kintyre), Nov 7.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Steamag 0615 S P Locally common breeding species, considerably more numerous than Arctic Tern, at least on small islands close to the mainland. Breeding recorded in 14% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Gott Bay (Tiree), Apr 25, followed by 1 >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Apr 27, and 1 Bruichladdich (Islay), Apr 30. Breeding. Kintyre/Mid-Argyll/Lismore/NArgyll: in the SAMs study area, 12 colonies, 3-516 prs in size, held a total of 847 prs. They fledged 677-779 young (0.80- 0.92 young/pr). Mink were killed early in the season at the 516-pr colony, where 500- 600 young fledged. There was heavy otter predation at 2 colonies. Mink preyed at 3 colonies, 2 of which fledged no young; at the third, predation by mink was late in the season after most young had fledged. In total, fewer prs bred in the study area this year than ever recorded before, but those that bred did well, with good fledging success and high chick weights. At 1 colony in Loch Fyne (Mid-Argyll), 22 prs fledged 35 young (1.59 younglpr), the highest figure recorded in this study 1984-1994. Kintyre: 60-65 prs bred Machrihanish (included in SAMs study) with good success; up to 5 first-summer birds were present at this colony during the season. Islay: 5-6

61 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 prs Gartnatra, Loch Indaal. Tiree: fewer than 10 birds recorded in the breeding season. Coll: 6 prs RSPB reserve. At Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), an impressive total of 1,897 birds flew>S (32 hr), Jul25-30, with a peak daily count of 623 >S (8 hr), Jul26. The only records after the end of Aug were 2 >S Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Sep 2, and singles>S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Sep 9 and 11.

ARCTIC TERN Srerna parudisaeu Steamal 0616 S P Locally numerous breeding species. Breeding recorded in 25% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Confusion with the last species has tended to lead to over- recording of Arctic Tern and under-recording of Common Tern (rather than vice versa) at colonies. 1994 First 3 Tiree, May 6, then 35 Loch Gruinart (Islay), May 8. Breeding. KintyrelMid-ArgyllLismorelNArgyll: in the SAMs study area, 12colo- nies, 2-100 prs in size, held a total of 225 prs. They fledged 130-164 young (0.58- 0.73 youngfpr). At the 100-pr colony, 70-100 young fledged; mink preyed late in the season here, after most young had fledged, killing only cu 10 chicks. There was heavier mink predation at 3 colonies, 2 of which fledged no young. There was heavy otter predation at 2 colonies. Kintyre: 15 prs Machrihanish (included in SAMs study). Islay: a total of 123 birds at 8 colonies, including 44 birds in 5 colonies Rhinns survey. Tiree: 469 birds present at 23 colonies. Coll: 31 prs at 2 colonies, and 72 birds at a colony on Gunna. As in the case of Common Tern, autumn migration was pronounced at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), with 1,153 birds >S (37 hr), Jul25 - Aug 5, the peak daily count being 425 >S (8 hr), Jul26. There were several records in early Sep, the last singles being seen at Gortantaoid (Islay) and Gott Bay (Tiree), Sep 15.

LITTLE TERN Sterna ulbifrons Steamag bheag 0624 S P Scarce breeding species confined to Islay, Tiree and Coll. Scarce elsewhere on migration. 1994 First 8 Balephetrish Bay (Tiree), Apr 23. Breeding. Islay: 2 ads and 2 young were recorded at 1 colony, Jul21, and a total of 30 birds (including both ads and young) at another, Jul 12. Tiree: 71 birds at 5 colonies, at least 31 incubating birds. Coll: only 6 prs nested in usual areas but 14 birds at another colony. Autumn migration was noted only at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), with a total of 5 >S, Jul26-30, and further singles >S on Sep 9 and 11

GUILLEMOT Uriu uulge Eun dubh an sgadain 0634 B W Highly colonial, locally abundant breeding species. Ads with small young appear on sea far from colonies in late summer; regularly seen in sealochs in winter. 1994

62 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Of birds >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in spring, 65% were in breeding plumage in Mar (n = 383), rising to 73% in Apr (n = 195). Breeding. The only counts came from Ceann.a’Mhara (Tiree), with 503 ashore, May 17, and 816 on Jun 10 (cf 592 in Jun 1993, and 724 in Jun 1992); at the same site, Jun 16,7% of a sample of 208 birds were of the bridled form. See text and Fig. 20 below for movements of auks (Guillemot/Razorbill) past seawatching locations.

RAZORBILL Aka torda Falc 0636 B W Locally common breeding species, although less numerous and with smaller colonies than Guillemot. Regularly seen in sealochs in winter. 1994 Of birds >S past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in spring, 70% were in breeding plumage in Mar (n = 791), rising to 93% in Apr (n = 862). Breeding. The only counts came from Ceann a’Mhara (Tiree), with 339 ashore, May 17, and 324 on Jun 10 (cf 237 in Jun 1993, but at least 340 in Jun 1992). See text and Fig. 20 below for movements of auks (Guillemot/Razorbill) past ’ seawatching locations.

AUK SP. (GUILLEMOT/RAZORBILL) 1994 There were exceptionally large southward movements of auks past the W end of Orsay, nr Portnahaven (Islay) during Jan - Mar (and again in Dec). On all but 2 days around each neap tide, birds were counted flying >S at rates of 100-1,000per minute irrespective of wind speed or wind direction, rates peaking 1-3 hr after low water and sometimes reaching 50 per second. These birds appeared to be feeding in the strong tidal stream which flows >NW past the island, and thus the total >S during each tidal cycle (est to be over 100,000 birds) probably included birds counted repeatedly as they flew back to where the tidal stream begins [J Dawson]. Nearby at Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), where this movement was not visible since the birds were too far out to sea, numbers passing were much lower. Hourly rates declined from a peak in Jan, then rose again from Apr (Fig. 20). The highest daily total was 3,056 >S 328 >N (2 hr), Jun 4. Rates of movement >S past Machrihanish SBO

(Kintyre) in Mar and Apr (53/hr and 46/hr respectively) were roughly comparable to , corresponding figures for Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) (Fig. 20), but subsequently fell off and did not show a summer peak. In autumn, movements of auks past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) rose from a mini- mum in Aug and Sep (the moult period) to a max in Oct (Fig. 20). Numbers passing Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) in Aug and Sep were very low (

63 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

1000 800 600 400 200 ‘JFMAMJJASOND Month Fig. 20 Average numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills (including birds not specifically identified) moving south per hour past Frenchman’sRocks (Islay) in 1994

BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle Gearra-breac 0638 B W Common breeding species on rocky coasts. Breeding recorded in 38% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 No count during the early part of the year exceeded 25 birds. Breeding. A partial survey of the SAMs study area gave the following results. Kintyre: 8-10 ads Eilean Eoghainn, West Loch Tarbert, Jul 10, no clutches or broods found, 1 ad and 1 egg found cached by mink. Cowal/Mid-Argyll: at least 26 ads (including 6 ashore) Eilean Aoghainn, Loch Fyne, Jun 4. Mid-Argyll: pr b/l Eilean Mor, Dunstaffnage, Jul 11 (mink controlled here); 4 prs c/l, c/l, b/l, b/2 Dubh Sgeir, Kerrera, Jul 19; 5 ads (including 2 ashore) Reisa an t’sruith, Sound of Jura, May 25; 7 ads Eilean na Cille, Sound of Jura, May 25, no clutches or broods found, 6 eggs found cached by mink; 9 ads Eilean na Cille (south islet), May 25, single c/2 on Jun 25. Mull: 2 prs b/l b/2 Glas Eileanan, Sound of Mull, Jul, all young fledged (mink controlled here). Lismore: pr b/l Eilean Gainimh, Jul23; 10 ads Eilean nan Caorach, at least 1 pr nesting, May 18. The following 4 sites, unoccupied in 1994, should be added to the list of abandoned sites in the last report, all of which remained unoccupied. Mid-Argyll: Eilean Fada and Liath Eilein, Loch Caolisport. Mull: Eileanan Glasa, Sound of Mull. Lismore: Sgeir nan Tom. At the first, second and fourth sites, heavy mink predation of seabird chicks and/or ads is known to have preceded the disappearance of this species. Movement past Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) and Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) peaked in early Aug, with max daily counts of 45 >N past the former site, Aug 5, and 10 >S 52 >N past the latter, Aug 2.

LITTLE AUK AlIe alle Colcach bheag 0647 W Irregular, usually seen during seawatches or after severe gales. 1994# Following the good batch of records in Dec 1993, birds continued to be seen off

64 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) in Jan, with 2 >S on Jan 1,8>S on Jan 5, and 1 >S on Jan 3 1. Also on Islay, a single was at Loch Gruinart on Jan 28-29. Elsewhere in Argyll, a single was found dead at Tralee (N Argyll), Feb 17, and a late individual, in summer plumage, was seen on the Oban - Colonsay crossing (Mid-Argyll),Apr 15. There were 6 further records between late Oct and Dec. Except for a single found dead at Connel (Mid-Argyll),Dec 12, all of these came from Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay): singles >S on Oct 28 and 31, Dec 6 and 17, and 2 >S on Dec 30.

PUFFIN Fratercula arctica Buthaid 0654 B P Very localised breeding species with main colonies on Sanda (Kintyre) and Treshnish Is (Mull). Small but persistent colony at Carraig an Daimh, Sound of Jura (Mid-Argyll). 1994 The first record of the year, was not until Apr 7, when 1 was seen on the Oban - Coll/ Tiree crossing (Mid-Argyll). The only other Apr record was 2 >N Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), Apr 22, and there were a scattering of sightings in May. Breeding. Unlike 1992 and 1993, birds appeared to be absent from Ceann a’Mhara (Tiree). No records were received from any other known or potential colonies. Movement past Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay) peaked in Jun (9.4 birds/hr including those flying >N) and Jul(ll.3 birds/hr); the highest daily total at this location was 93 >S (2.5 hr), Jun 30. Other high counts were 40 Oban - Coll/Tiree crossing (Mid- Argyll), Jul4, and 53 (1.5 hr) past Hynish (Tiree), Aug 3. At Frenchman’s Rocks (Islay), no birds were seen after Sep 2. The only later record was 2 Kennacraig - Islay crossing (Mid-Argyll),Nov 26.

ROCK DOVE Columba livia Calman creige 0665 R Resident breeder except Cowal, most numerous in the islands. Breeding recorded in 33% of 10 kmsq (BTOAtlas, 1988-91). Large flocks often gather on arable fields outwith breeding season. 1994 The highest count was 140 Kilchiaran (Islay), Oct 9, with other smaller flocks (50+) reported elsewhere on the island. Apart from 52 on oat stubble, Iona (Mull), Sep 20, no other area reported flocks exceeding 50 birds.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Calman gorm 0668 R Scarce and irregular, Kintyre, Cowal and Mid-Argyll. Bred in Mid-Argyll in 1993. Possibly under-recorded, and all records required. 1994# The only record was 4 Slockavullin (Mid-Argyll),Feb 25.

WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus Calman fiadhaich 0670 B W Common resident breeding species except on some islands, e.g. Mull, where more numerous in winter. Breeding recorded in 48% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91).

65 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1994 No significant records.

COLLARED DOVE Srreprupeliu decuucro Calman a chrios 0684 B P Sparse but widespread distribution throughout Argyll. Evidence of continued immigration involving small numbers of birds each spring. Breeding recorded in 23% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Up to 40 birds were at Bruichladdich (Islay) during Jan -Apr. Elsewhere, the highest count during the early part of the year was 14 Arinagour (Coll), May 10. Spring/ summer influxes were reported from Islay, Colonsay and Tiree. Islay: present Portnahaven area, Apr 15 - Jul 17, with max 5 on May 19 (last sighting in 1993 was Jun 4). Colonsay: influx from Jun 12 with max 7 Colonsay House gardens, Jun 23. Tiree: 1 Kenovay, Apr 9 and 23, then 6 Crossapol all summer. Also up to 2 Tiroran, Loch Scridain (Mull), May 7-12, where stated to have been absent in previous years. Breeding. No significant records. At least 45 birds were at Island House, River Laggan (Islay), Nov 6, and up to 40 at Bruichladdich (Islay), Oct - Dec. No other count exceeded 10 birds.

TURTLE DOVE Srreprupeliu turtur Calman tuchan 0687 P Scarce. Majority recorded May and Jun. All records required. 1994# There were 4 records, all late May - mid-Jun. Islay: 1 nr Portnahaven, May 30. Colonsay: 1 Colonsay House gardens, Jun 12-13, with an unconfirmed report of 1 or more others in the same area at the same time. Tiree: 1 Loch na Gile, May 30. Coll: 1 on May 28.

CUCKOO Cuculus cuizorus Cuthag 0724 S P Common. Main host species is Meadow Pipit. Breeding recorded in 41% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Ballimony, nr Portnahaven (Islay) and 1 Ford (Mid-Argyll), Apr 13. Next 1 Moine Mhor (Mid-Argyll), Apr 20, with birds widespread from Apr 25. Breeding. Islay: a total of only 7 calling MM Rhinns survey, reflecting the relative scarcity of the species on the Rhinns. Following a few early Aug records, a late bird was at Loch Feochan (Mid-Argyll), Aug 29.

BARN OWL Tyro alba Comhachag 0735 B W Scarce breeding species, but probably under-recorded. Nests in both natural sites and buildings. Breeding recorded in 11% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Collision with vehicles appears to be a major cause of mortality. All records required. 1994

66 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Recorded in all areas during the year except Colonsay, Tiree, Col1 and Lismore. Records from islands where this species is not often reported included 4 roosts located on Gigha, 1 bird nr Craighouse (Jura),April 2-3, and singles on Mull at Torrans, Loch Scridain, Jan 1 (present since 1993), and Burg, Loch Scridain, May 16. Breeding. Thirteen prs laid 40 eggs and reared 28 young in the Kintyre and Knapdale (Mid-Argyll)nest-box scheme [Forest Enterprise]. On Islay, 12 nests were found, with 1 pr failing and the other 11 prs fledging at least 29 young. Two young fledged Islay in late Nov were easily the latest ever (previous latest was Aug); it was not thought that this pr had bred earlier in the year, or at least not at the same site [M A Ogilvie]. Elsewhere, prs were successful in Mid-Argyll at Ford, at Glen Aray (3 young) and near Dalmally (3 young), and in N Argyll a pr reared 4 young near Loch Etive.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Comhachag dhonn 0761 R Widespread and common in suitable broadleaved or coniferous woodland. Absent from Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 43% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. In Glenbranter Forest (Cowal), a total of 25 prs laid 68 eggs, with 53 young fledging [D Anderson, Forestry Authority]. The only other confirmed breeding record was at Tiroran, Loch Scridain (Mull). In addition to the above sites, there were records during the year from Islay (3 sites), Cowal(4 sites), Mid-Argyll (6 or 7 sites), and Mull (4 sites). None of these involved confirmed breeding.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Comhachag adharcaiche 0767 R P W Very scarce, but almost certainly under-recorded. All records required. 1994# There were only 2 records during the year, but both of these referred to successful breeding. On Colonsay, a pr had young in the nest during the second half of Jun, while in Kilmichael Glen (Mid-Argyll),a pr fledged 2 young at the end of May.

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio Jammeus Comhachag chluassach 0768 B W P Widespread in suitable habitat. Numbers fluctuate and distribution varies with abundance of small rodents, especially field voles, Microtus agrestis. Breeding recorded in 30% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some emigration in autumn. 1994 Only 1 record was received for the period Jan - Mar: 1 Ballimony, nr Portnahaven (Islay), Feb 13. Breeding. Breeding season records came from Islay (4 sites), Cowal(2 sites), Mid- Argyll (3 sites), and Mull (4 sites), but only 1 instance of successful breeding was reported, at Ford (Mid-Argyll). An unusual record was of 1 quartering over the sea ca 1.5 km off Machihanish SBO (Kintyre), Jul24. During Sep - Dec, birds were reported from Islay, Cowal, Mid- Argyll, Mull and Tiree (1 record each).

67 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus eitropaeiis Sgraicheag oidche 0778 S P Very scarce. Confirmed records of calling birds only in Cowal and Kintyre in recent years. 1994 For the first time since 1986, no records were received.

SWIFT Apiis apits Gobhlan mor 0795 S P Localised breeding species, mainland only. Late spring visitor to most islands. Natural nest sites have been used in Kintyre. Breeding recorded in 4% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Connel (Mid-Argyll), May 7. Also reported from Kintyre, Islay, Tiree and Col1 by May 13. Breeding. No definite records but thought to have bred Blairmore (Cowal), where regular during summer. The pattern of records received (excluding the potential breeding site above) showed 3 peaks: mid-May, early Jul and mid-Aug (Fig. 21). The first of these may be exag- gerated because amval dates are particularly likely to be reported. The highest count was 20 Glen Lonan (Mid-Argyll), Aug 11. The only Sep record was a single seen on the Kennacraig - Islay crossing (Mid-Argyll), Sep 3, but an exceptionally late individual was at Saligo Bay (Islay), Oct 21.

tl t2 10 8 6 4 2 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213 Ten-day period Fig. 21 Number of records of Swijit in Argyll behveen May 1 and Sep 7 1994, divided up by ten-day periods

1 = May 1-10,2 = May 11-20, .... 7 = Jun 30 - Jul9, .... 13 = Aug 29 - Sep 7

ALPINE SWIFT Apiis melba Gobhlan monaidh 0798 V First Argyll record in 1993. 1994# One was seen and photographed Lunga, Treshnish Is (Mull), Jul 11 [R Craig, J W Proudlock, A Mawdsley] (accepted BBRC). Its occurrence coincided with the presence of another on Shetland.

68 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Biorra cruidein 0831 W P Most records are in autumn and winter, and may represent dispersingjuveniles. 1994 A pr bred successfully at Carradale (Kintyre) for the second year in succession; see below. There were only 3 other records, all from Mid-Argyll: 1Lusragan Burn, Connel, Jan 21; 1 Dalmally, Apr 27; 1 Muckairn, nr Taynuilt, Oct 7. The observer of the last bird was informed that sightings had been regular in the area over the past year or two; this, together with the existence of a series of records from the Connel area in recent years, Fuggests that a small resident population could be involved. 1993 A pr bred successfully at Carradale (Kintyre). This appears to be the first instance of confirmed breeding in Argyll since at least 1980. ,

BEE-EATER Merops apiaster 0840 V Apparently no Argyll records prior to 1958, but 2 since: 2 Islay, Jun 1981, and 1 Lochgoilhead (Cowal), Jun 1986. 1993 A single was nr Lochdon (Mull), Jul 1 and 2 [Mr & Mrs S James, C & H J Millard] (accepted SBRC).

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Snagardach 0856 ? Status uncertain, but appears to occur only irregularly. All records required. 1994# A single was at Glenbranter (Cowal) on several dates in late Feb and Mar (cf 1992 record from the same location). Another was seen and heard at Scobull, Loch Scridain (Mull), May 16 and 17; the last Mull record was in 1988.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Snagan daraich 0876 B W Widespread in suitable deciduous and coniferous woodland. Breeding recorded in 31% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 The pattern of records was similar to last year, with many from Mid-Argyll, 3 from Mull and 1 from Cowal. Breeding. The woodland CBC plot at Taynish NNR (Mid-Argyll) held 3 territories (cf 1 in 1993); at least 2 prs bred successfully.

SKYLARK Alauda aivensis Uiseag 0976 B W P Widespread and common breeding species. Breeding recorded in 79% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Emigration of many birds in winter, with remaining birds mainly in coastal and low-lying localities. 1994 A few counts during Mar and Apr involved 50 or more birds. Islay: 100 Ardnave, Mar 3; max 125 Gruinart, Mar 11; 50 Claggain Bay, Mar 19; 80 Eorrabus, Mar 23.

69 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Jura: 50 Small Is Bay, Apr 2. Breeding. Islay: 95 prs on moorland Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; cu 2,020 territories Rhinns survey, with highest densities on moorland, particularly N of Loch Gorm. In autumn, there was light southwardpassage over Iona (Mull), Sep 20-22. No counts exceeding 50 birds were received.

SAND MARTIN Rbaria riparia Gobhlan gainmhiche 0981 S P Uncommon and localised breeding species. Breeding recorded ip 24%of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). All breeding records required. b 1994 First 3 Muircroft (Mid-Argyll), Mar 28. Elsewhere, birds were not recorded until mid-late Apr. Islay: 1 Port Wemyss, Apr 22. Cowal: 1 Blairmore and 1 Auchalick Bay, Apr 24. Mull: 3 Glen Forsa, Apr 14. A single on Coll, May 13, was a passage migrant. Breeding. At most of the colonies monitored in both 1993 and 1994, the total number of occ holes had increased. Islay: 10 occ holes Kilchiaran; at least 6 occ holes Laggan Bridge (cf8 in 1993). Comal: 17 occ holes Glen Sluain, Strachur; 19 prs Dalinlongart; 26 prs Gairletter Pt; 3 prs Shepherd's Pt; increase Stronchullin. Mid-Argyll: 75 occ holes Kilmartin quarry (cf35 in 1993); 56 occ holes Kilmichael Glen woodyard (cf 24 in 1993); 4 occ holes Kilmartin school (cf2 in 1993); 2 occ holes Lagalochan, nr Kilmelford; 1 occ hole Kiman, Kilmichael Glen. Mull: 10 occ holes Torosay. N Argyll: lo+ occ holes Barravourich, Water of Tulla. Last 3 Ford (Mid-Argyll), Oct 22. This is a month later than the previous record departure date (Sep 21).

SWALLOW Hiritrtdo ru'stica Gobhlan gaoithe 0992 S P Widespread and common. Breeding recorded in 76% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 nr Oban (Mid-Argyll), Apr 7. Elsewhere, arrival was later in Apr. Islay: 1 Loch an t-Sailein,Apr 11. Colonsay: 1 LochFada,Apr 15. Cowal: 1 Blairmore,Apr 24. Mull: 2 Salen, Apr 23. Tiree: 1 Loch Bhasapol, Apr 29. Breeding. Small groups were noted in a few areas. Colonsay: 4 prs Oronsay Farm. Cowal: 5 prs Strachur sawmill; 15 prs at 2 Glenbranter farms; 9 prs Gairletter. Mull: second brood flying Tiroran, Loch Scridain, Aug 16. The highest autumn count was 80 Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve (Islay), Aug 9. A few lingered to mid-Oct in Gigha, Islay, Mid-Argyll and Tiree. Last 1 Bridgend (Islay), Nov 1.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichort urbicu Gobhlan taighe 1001 S P Common breeding species on mainland where suitable sites exist; less numerous on the islands and no recent breeding records from Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. Breed- ing recorded in 48% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First Kilmartin (Mid-Argyll), Apr 24, but no other records until May. There were a

70 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 few records of passage migrants on islands outwith the breeding range. Colonsay: 3 Kiloran, Jun 14. Tiree: 1 Milton, May 2; 1 Traigh Bhagh, May 14. doll: 4Arinagour, May 10-14. Breeding. A reduction was noted in Cowal: 4 prs Invernoaden Farm, Glenbranter (cf 17 prs in 1993). Last 2 Bridgend (Islay), Oct 20.

TREE PIPIT @thus trivialis Riabhag 1009 S P Common breeding species in open deciduous woodland and conifer restock sites. Very scarce Islay. Breeding recorded in 54% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994 First 2 Ardentallen (Mid-Argyll), Apr 14. Main arrival apparently not until later in the month or early May. Islay: 1 Loch Ballygrant, May 2. Jura: 1 Knockrome, May 1. Mull: 4 Lochdon, Apr 28. N Argyll: 1 Water of Tulla, May 3. Breeding. No change in population noted at Taynish NNR (Mid-Argyll), with 10 territories in the woodland CBC plot as in 1993. - Last 2 Milbuie (Colonsay), Sep 7.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Snathag 1011 B W P Abundant breeding species. Breeding recorded in 94% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Emigration of many birds in winter, with remaining birds mainly in coastal and low-lying localities. 1994 Breeding. Islay: 71 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; ca 1,416 territories Rhinns survey, with highest densities on moorland. Mid-Argyll: reduction to 2 territories (cf 5 in 1993) in coastal grassland, Taynish NNR. Several post-breeding flocks were reported. The largest count received was 500 Tiree, Jul5.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Gabhagan 101412 R P W Common resident breeding species around coast. Breeding recorded in 67% of 10 lun sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Scarce passage and winter visitor elsewhere. 1994 Breeding. Islay: ca 115 territories Rhinns survey, probably an underestimate; these territories were predominantly on rocky open shores along the W coast, but recorded inland at Kilchiaran (3 prs) and Coul (3 prs). No other significant records.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacillafiava Breacan buidhe 1017 P Rare. 1994# There were two spring/summer records, both from Mull: 1 Caliach, May 29; 1 F Fidden, Jun 17.

71 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 GREY WAGTAIL Moracilla cinerea Breacan bain tigheama 1019 B W P Widespread breeding species. Breeding recorded in 61% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some emigration in winter. 1994 Breeding. Mull: 3 prs bred Tiroran, Loch Scridain. No other significant records.

PIED WAGTAIL Morucilla alba yarrellii Breach an t-si1 1020 B W P Widespread and common breeder. Breeding recorded in 87% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Emigration from most areas in winter. Returning birds generally arrive late Feb - early Mar; departure Aug - Oct. 1994 Breeding. Islay: 102 prs Rhinns survey, mainly on agricultural land, with concentrations in the N. The highest autumn count was 200 Tiree, Jul5. A few other counts during Aug - Dec reached 30 birds. Islay: 38 Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Dec 1. Jura: 30 Knockrome, Aug 6. Mid-Argyll: 46 Ganavan, nr Oban, Aug 12; 37 Ariogan roost, Oban, Aug 18.

WHITEWAGTAIL M a alba P Usually recorded in spring. Extent of autumn passage obscured by identification difficulties. 1994 Around 50 were recorded in total on spring passage. First 1 Dunollie (Mid-Argyll), Apr 11, then few until late Apr and main passage end Apr - May 11. Peak counts for each area varied between 1 and 8 birds. Kintyre: 8 Westport Marsh, May 1-2. Islay: 6 nr Portnahaven, May 7. Mid-Argyll: 4 Ganavan, nr Oban, Apr 29. Mull: 3 Iona, Apr 29. Tiree: 2 Balephetrish Bay, May 7. Coll: 1 Feall Bay, May 7. N Argyll: 1 Ledaig Pt, May 9. Autumn. During Aug and Sep, there were records from 2 locations. Kintyre: 3 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 18, and singles on Aug 23 and 30. Islay: 1 Port Wemyss, Sep 14. Unusually, there were also 2 late Oct records, both from Kintyre: 1 Skipness Pt, Oct 24; 3 with Pied Wagtails, Rhunahaorine Pt, Oct 26.

WAXWING Bombycilla garruliis Canarach dearg 1048 W Irruptive visitor in varying numbers. 1994# There were 2 records, both on the same date, Nov 2 1 Lochgilphead (Mid-Argyll) and 1 Dervaig (Mull).

DIPPER Cincliis cincliis Gobha uisge 1050 B W Widespread, although scarce Islay and Colonsay; absent Tiree and Coil. Breed- ing recorded in 34% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 The only records of note were singles seen flying >S Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar 2 and May 5; these birds were probably undertaking local movements. 72 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Dreathann donn 1066 B W Very common, although numbers fluctuate. Breeding recorded in 84% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Islay: 198 prs Rhinns survey; this total excludes the forestry areas which hold substantial numbers. Mid-Argyll: a substantial drop in the coastal scmb/woodland CBC plot at Taynish NNR, from 14 territories in 1993 to 4 in 1994. No other significant records.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Gealbhonn nam preas 1084 B W P Widespread and common, except some islands. Breeding recorded in 55% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 No significant records.

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Bru dhearg 1099 -”- B P Common. Breeding recorded in 79% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Large autumn passage in some years. 1994 No significant records.

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros Ceann dubhan 1121 W P Rare and irregular. 1994# A good year with 3 records; 1 M Port Wemyss (Islay), Apr 25; 1 M Ceann a’Mhara (Tiree), May 17; 1 F or first-winter Kilmichael of Inverlussa (Mid-Argyll), Oct 24- 30.

REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Ceann dearg 1122 S P Common breeding species in relatively open woodland, except Islay where scarce. In Argyll occurs more frequently in oak than in birch, but also recorded in conifers. Breeding recorded in 37% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Few records were received. First 1 Ardoran (Mid-Argyll), Apr 14. Birds were recorded from 2 other areas, with arrival later in Apr. Cowal: 1 F nr Glenbranter, Apr 24. Mull: 1 M Lochdon, Apr 28. Breeding. Mid-Argyll: reduction in population to 3 territories (cf 7 in 1993) in woodland CBC plot, Taynish NNR;reported to be very common, Shuna. Mull: F b/2 Loch Ba, Jun 22. Last 1 F Pennygown (Mull), Oct 26.

WHINCHAT Suxicola rubetru Gocan 1137 S P Widespread and common breeding species. Breeding recorded in 74% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91).

73 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1994 First 1 M Gleann Sheileach, nr Oban (Mid-Argyll), Apr 25, then 1 M nrportnahaven (Islay), Apr 27. Breeding. Islay: 13 prs on moorland Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 53 territories Rhinns survey, including birds just inside forestry edge. Mid-Argyll: only 1 pr Connel where usually 2-3 prs. Last4 Hough (Tiree), Sep 13.

STONECHAT Saxicola rorqitara Clacharan i 1139 R P W Widespread, but resident population can decline dramatically as a consequence of severe winter conditions. Breeding recorded in 70% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some emigration may take place in winter. 1994 At Taynish NNR (Mid-Argyll), a single on Jan 1 was the only record of the year; breeding was last recorded here in 1990. Breeding. Islay: 15 prs on moorland Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 82 prs Rhinns survey, including birds just inside forestry edge. Colonsay: decline to 19 prs (cf25 in 1993).

WHEATEAR Oenanrhe oenanrhe Bru gheal 1146 S P Common breeding species in open grassland areas. Breeding recorded in 83% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 2Ardfem (Mid-Argyll), Mar 13, then 1 Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre), Mar 14. There was widespread arrival in late Mar and early Apr. Islay: 1 nr Portnahaven and 2 nr Bruichladdich, Mar 29. Jura: 1 Poll a’Cheo, Apr 2. Mid-Argyll: pr nr Oban, Mar 27. Tiree: 1 Soa, Mar 28. Breeding. Islay: 245 prs Rhinns survey, with a bias towards the W side, particularly along the coast. Mid-Argyll: none Connel where normally 2-3 prs. In autumn, a few lingered until late Sep and Oct. Last dates for different areas included 1 Iona (Mull), Sep 21, 1 Tiree, Sep 29, and finally 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Oct 18.

RING OUZEL Turdiis rorquarrts Dubh chreige 1186 S P Very localised upland breeding species. Breeding recorded in 7% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). All records required. 1994# First 1 Grulinbeg, nr Loch Gorm (Islay), Mar 29. Breeding. There was an increase in breeding season records. Islay: 1 upper River Laggan, Jun 29. Cowal: 1 M Mullach Coire a’Chuir, Jun 7 and 12. Mid-Argyll: 1 M Cruach Mhor, nr Inveraray, Apr IS; pr alarm-calling Lochan Shira, May 1; 1 M singing Cruach Tuirc, Glen Fyne, Jun 5; 1 M singing W side of Ben Lui, Jun 10. There were 3 autumn records. Cowal: 1 The Cobbler, Sep 18; 1 Beinn an Lochain, Oct 8. Islay: 1 F Lossit Bay, Oct 22.

74 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Lon dubh 1187 B W P Widespread and very common breeding species. Breeding recorded in 77% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Early in the year, the highest count was 50 Kiloran Farm (Colonsay), Mar 18. Breeding. Islay: 3 1 territories Rhinns survey, although gardens, where this species is likely to be more common, were not surveyed. Mid-Argyll: an increase to 4 territories in the woodland CBC plot, Taynish NNR (cf 1 in 1993). Arrival of autumn migrants was noted on Islay from Oct 20 (9 nr Portnahaven), with a high count of 200 with Redwings and Fieldfares, Mull of Oa, Nov 26.

FIELDFARE Turdus piluris Liath thruisg 1198 W P Abundant autumn passage bird, but relatively few winter. 1994 A flock of 800 at Machrihanish (Kintyre), Feb 6, was by far the largest reported during the early part of the year, no other flock exceeding120 birds. Counts exceeding 40 birds came from Islay, Cowal and Tiree. Islay: 120 Kilchoman, Jan 2; 50 . .” Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Jan 25. Cowal: 90 Kilbride Bay, Feb 17. Tiree: 41 Hynish, Mar 24. Last 2 nr Portnahaven (Islay), Apr 29. The first returning birds were 4 Kilmore (Mid-Argyll), Sep 12. The first significant numbers occurred on Oct 16-18,with mixed flocks totalling 3,000 Fieldfaresmedwings >S Portnahaven (Islay), 400 (Fieldfares) Loch Gorm (Islay), 150 Loch Tallant (Islay) and 100 Ballevullin (Tiree) on Oct 16; 300 Port Wemyss (Islay) and at least 100 Tiroran, Loch Scridain (Mull) on Oct 17; and est 10,000 Fieldfaresmedwings (mostly the latter) Port Ellen - Kildalton (Islay), Oct 18. Numbers in some areas remained high through the rest of Oct and Nov. Islay: 160 Loch Gruinart, Oct 25; 500 Mull of Oa, Nov 26. Mid-Argyll: 100 Poltalloch, Oct 30. Coll: up to 1,000 RSPB reserve, Oct and Nov. Many other counts of less than 100 birds were received.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Smeorach 1200 B W P Widespread and common. Breeding recorded in 72% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Islay: 25 territories Rhinns survey, although gardens, where this species is likely to be more common, were not surveyed. Three small groups of migrants, varying in size between 8 and 13 birds, were noted in the southern Rhinns (Islay) in mid-Oct. No other significant records.

REDWING Turdus iliacus Sgiath dhearg 1201 W P Abundant autumn passage bird, but relatively few winter. Occasional individuals recorded in late spring. Bred on Mull in 1991. 1994 Most flocks in spring were of 50 or fewer birds, with only 2 larger groups. Kintyre: 440 Machrihanish SBO, Feb 10. Islay: 280 Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Feb 8. A few birds remained to the second half of Apr, the largest flocks at this time being 35

75 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Easter Ellister (Islay), Apr 20,24 Crannich (Mull), Apr 18, and 20 Grishipoll (Coli), Apr 17. Last dates in different areas were: Apr 18 (Colonsay), Apr 19 (Coll), Apr 21 (Mull), Apr 22 (Mid-Argyll) and Apr 27 (Islay). The first autumn record was 2 Port Wemyss (Islay), Oct 1. The main arrival was slightly earlier than the main arrival of Fieldfares, though the largest numbers were again recorded from Oct 16 onwards, at least on Islay and Mull. Counts of 100 or more birds in Oct were reported as follows. Islay: 100 Port Wemyss, Oct 11; 200 Ardbeg and 200 Claggain Bay, Oct 14; mixed flocks of 3,000 RedwingsPieldfares >S Portnahaven, Oct 16; 300 Port Wemyss and 150 Laggan, Oct 17; est 10,000 RedwingsEieldfares (mostly the former) Port Ellen - Kildalton, Oct 18. Mull: at least 100 Tiroran, Loch Scridain, Oct 17; 200 Pennygown, Oct 22. Coll: up to 5,000 RSPB reserve, Oct. The only later flocks of comparable size were 300 Mull of Oa (Islay), Nov 26, and up to 5,000 RSPB reserve (Con), Nov.

MISTLE THRUSH Tzirdus viscivonts Smeorach mhor 1202 B W P Widespread but thinly distributed breeding species. Breeding recorded in 43% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Many birds emigrate in autumn; parties of returning birds move through in Feb. 1994 Spring passage migrants were noted on Islay, with singles nr Portnahaven on Apr 11, 28 and 29. Breeding. Islay: no territories were located during the Rhinns survey. The highest autumn counts were 20 Kilmichael of Inverlussa (Mid-Argyll), Aug 14, and 24 Loch Ciaran (Kintyre), Aug 28. Birds thought to be passage migrants were recorded on Iona (Mull) (1 on Sep 21) and Islay (1 Port Wemyss and 5 Loch Gorm, Oct 15).

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locitsrellu mevia Ceileiriche leumnach 1236 S P Localised breeding species in all areas. Good breeding densities occur in many young conifer plantations. Breeding recorded in 26% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994 First 1 M nr Loch Feochan (Mid-Argyll), Apr 26. Further Apr records came from Mid-Argyll and also Islay (first 1 M nr Portnahaven, Apr 29). Breeding. Many singing MM were recorded. Islay: 10 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 39 singing birds Rhinns survey, mostly associated with forestry; singles at a few other sites. Jura: 1 nr Craighouse. Colonsay: 1 Machrins. Cowal: 11 in 3 localities. Mid-Argyll: 4 Moine Mhor NNR; 5 Taynish NNR; singles at a few other locations including Shuna. Mull: singles at 4 sites in May. Singing birds were also present on Tiree (1 M Balemartine, Jun 6; 1 M Kilkenneth, Jun 12) and Coll (1 M The Lodge, Arinagour, May 8-9), where records are relatively infrequent. Last 1 M Redhouses (Islay), Jul29.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocepltalzis schoenobuertiis Glas eun 1243 S P Locally common. Breeding recorded in 41% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91).

76 First 1 Bolsay, nr Port Charlotte and 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Apr 29. The only other Apr record was 1 Oban (Mid-Argyll),Apr 30, but birds became more widespread during the following week. Arrival on Tiree was not until May 7. Breeding. Islay: 25 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 196 territories Rhinns survey including birds inside forestry borders, with high densities in areas of scrub and reed as well as along forestry edge. Colonsay: 17 prs (cf 12 in 1993). Mid-Argyll: 7 prs in coastal CBC plot, Taynish NNR (cf 9 in 1993). Coll: 5 prs RSPB reserve. Last 1 nr Portnahaven (Islay), Aug 31.

WHITETXROAT Sylvia communis Gealan coille 1275 S P Widespread but thinly distributed breeding species in scrub and woodland edge habitats. Marked improvement in numbers during the 1980s, with good breeding densities in many young conifer plantations. Breeding recorded in 59% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Gallanach, nr Oban (Mid-Argyll),Apr 25, then 1 nr Taynuilt (Mid-Argyll), . - Apr 30. More widespread by early May, with 1 Easter Ellister (Islay), May 2, and 1 Scoor, nr Loch Assapol (Mull), May 9, being the first 1994 records for these 2 islands. Breeding. Islay: 49 territories Rhinns survey, including birds inside forestry, with most birds in moorland scrub, roadside bushes and forestry edge; very few in northern Rhinns. Colonsay: increase to 12 prs (cf 7 in 1993). Mid-Argyll:7 territories in CBC plots, Taynish NNR. Unlike 1993, there were several mid-Sep records. Islay: 1 Kilchiaran, Sep 12; 1 Easter Ellister, Sep 17. Mid-Argyll: 1 Kilmichael of Inverlussa, Sep 7. Tiree: 1 M Kenovay, Sep 11.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia bol-in Ceileiriche garaidh 1276 S P Scarce breeding species. Breeding recorded in 14% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Birds were recorded only in Islay and Mid-Argyll. First 1 Glen Nant (Mid-Argyll), May 11, then singles at Taynish (Mid-Argyll),May 13, and Connel (Mid-Argyll), May 14. Further May records came from Islay (1 M Tallant, May 22; 1 Ballygrant, May 23 and 27) and Mid-Argyll (2 MM Shuna, May 21-28). Breeding. Mid-Argyll:a total of 4 territories Taynish NNR.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atl-icapilla Ceann dubh 1277 S W P Scarce breeding species. Established in policy woodland of many estates, where Rhododendron and other scrub often provide good understorey. Breeding recorded in 23% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). A few winter and are regular visitors to bird tables in hard weather. 1994 Several appeared to survive through the winter in gardens on the mainland. Cowal:

77 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 1 Kames, Jan 29. Mid-Argyll: 1 F Oban, Jan - Feb; 1 M at another Oban site, Jan - Apr 1, with 2 MM on Mar 16; 2 (MF) Connel, Jan - Apr 10. Arrival on the islands was in early May, with 1 M Bridgend (Islay), May 3, and 1 M Aird of Kinloch (Mull), May 8. Breeding. Very few breeding season records were received. Islay: 4 MM Bridgend Woods. Colonsay: 3 singing MM Colonsay House Gardens. Mid-Argyll: only 2 records Taynish NNR, both in mid-May; 2 or 3 MM Shuna. Mull: single MM at 3 sites. A total of 7 birds (cf14 in 1993) were recorded in the second winteEperiod, late Oct - Dec. Kintyre: 1 M found dead Machrihanish, Nov 15. Islay: 1 F Gruinart, Oct 25; 1 M Bolsay, nr Port Charlotte, Nov 5. Mid-Argyll: 1 M eating elderberries Melfort, Nov 10-29; 1 M Connel, Nov 19; 1 M Oban, Dec 19-23. N Argyll: 1 FNorth Connel, Nov 26.

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilutrix Ceileiriche cille 1308 S P Common breeding species in oakwoods with sparse ground cover. Breeding recorded in 49%of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 M Blairmore (Comal), Apr 30. Main arrival was on May 2-3 when singing MM were reported from several sites in Islay, Cowal, Mid-Argyll and Mull. A passage migrant was at The Lodge, Arinagour (Coll), May 12. Breeding. There were a few counts of singing MM. Colonsay: 1 A'Choille Mhor, Jun 17, was the only record. Mid-Argyll: 6 Glen Nant, May 11; 10 territories woodland CBC plot, Taynish NNR (cf7 in 1993).

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopiis collybiru Cailean 1311 S P Uncommon breeding species, scarce in islands. Breeding recorded in 25%of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some winter records. 1994 There were no records of wintering birds at the beginning of the year. The first singing MM were 1 Tullich, nr Inveraray (Mid-Argyll), Mar 28, and 1 Kilnaughton Bay (Islay), Apr 1, with main arrival in mid-Apr. Probable passage migrants were noted on some islands. Islay: singles Port Wemyss, Apr 11 and 29. Mull: 1 Iona, Apr 27-30. Tiree: 1 Milton, May 2-4; 1 Gott, May 7. A singing M (or MM) at The Lodge, Arinagour (Coll), May 7- 14 and 3 1, could perhaps have been a breeder. Breeding. No significant records. Autumn migration was noted on some of the islands. Colonsay: 1 Milbuie, Sep 1. Mull: 2 Salen, Sep 1; 1 Iona, Sep 21. There were 2 late records from Islay: 1 Coille, nr Loch Gorm, Nov 1; 1 Bolsay, nr Port Charlotte, Nov 5.

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopiis trochilids Crionag ghiuthais 1312 S P Widespread and very common breeding species. Breeding recorded in 8 1 % of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Ballochroy (Kintyre), Apr 8, then 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Apr 12. Birds

78 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 were noted on Tiree (4-6 individuals at 4 sites, Apr 14 -.May 20) and Coll (2 MM The Lodge, Arinagour, Apr 16-19), but it is not known whether these were passage migrants or breeders. Breeding. Islay: 163 territories Rhinns survey, including forestry edge but excluding inside forestry where abundant. Mid-Argyll:large increase noted in woodland CBC plot, Taynish NNR,to 53 territories (cf33 in 1993). A single at Ruaig (Tiree), Jul26 and 28, could have been an early passage migrant or a local breeder. Most birds seemed to have departed by the end of Aug, and only 3 Sep records were received 1 Kenovay (Tiree), Sep 9, 1 Easter Ellister (Islay), Sep 17, and finally 1 Iona (Mull), Sep'21.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Crionag bhuidhe 1314 R W P Common breeding species and passage migrant. Breeding recorded in 53% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 A few birds on Tiree in mid-Mar (3 Milton, Mar 12, and l,Scarinish, Mar 14) were presumably passage migrants or winter visitors. Also, large numbers were present in - deciduous woodland in SE Islay in mid-Oct, at the time of a major influx of winter thrushes. No other significant records.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Breacan glas sgiobalta 1335 S P Widespread but thinly distributed breeding species. Breeding recorded in 53% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 First 1 Taynish (Mid-Argyll) and 1 Tiroran, Loch Scridain (Mull), May 10. Arrival occurred in several areas over the following few days. Islay: 3 at different sites in Portnahaven area, May 14. Jura: 1 Inver Cottage, May 14. Tiree: 1 Kenovay, May 14. Coll: 2 The Lodge, Arinagour, May 12-14. Breeding. No significant records. Last 1 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Sep 13.

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Breacan glas 1349 S P Very localised breeder in oakwoods. Increase in breeding population in recent years is attributable to the Argyll Bird Club nest-box scheme. Breeding recorded in 6% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. A total of 16 prs were reported (cf 11 in 1993), all using nest-boxes. Cowal: 2 prs successful Blairmore. Mid-Argyll: 1 pr Ederline, b/6 in Jun; 1 pr Glen Nant fledged 5 young; 3 prs Ardgenavan, including a M which had been ringed in Dum- fries & Galloway, fledged 13 young. N Argyll: 5 nests Bonawe fledged a total of 28 young; 1 pr Glen Creran, c/6 failed to hatch. In autumn, a passage migrant was at Milbuie (Colonsay), Sep 12.

79 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 LONG-TAILED TIT Aegirhalos cazidarus Ciochan 1437 B W P Widespread and common on mainland, local on some islands and rare on Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 48% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). Parties of wandering birds widespread in autumn. 1994 Autumn flocks of 20 or more birds were noted at 3 locations. Mid-Argyll: 30 Moine Mhor, Oct 30. Mull: 20 Tiroran, Loch Scridain and 20 head of Loch Scridain, Oct 1. No other significant records.

COAL TIT Parzcs ater Smutag 1461 B W P Widespread and common except Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 62% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some migrants noted in autumn. 1994 In spring, at least 2 were at Arinagour (Coll), Apr 16. Breeding. Mid-Argyll: 5 territories woodland CBC plot,Taynish NNR (cf9 in 1993). Aiitzmnzn. Islay: passage migrants or dispersing birds were recorded from coastal areas in the southern Rhinns in mid-Qct, with a particularly large flock of 32 nr Portnahaven, Oct 15, at least 2 of which remained to Nov 6. Mull: 2 passage migrants Iona, Sep 21. N Argyll: 20 Loch Tulla pinewood, Oct 23.

BLUE TIT Pants caerztlezis Cailleachag ceann ghorm 1462 R P Widespread and very common breeder in broad-leaved and mixed woodland, but rare on Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 65% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994 In autumn, passage migrants or dispersing birds were noted on Islay (2 nr Portnahaven, Sep 23, remaining to Nov 6) and Mull (max 12 Iona, Sep 20).

GREAT TIT Purzis major Currac bhain tigheama 1464 R P Widespread and very common breeder in broad-leaved and mixed woodland and occasionally in coniferous woodland. Breeding recorded in 61% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Breeding. Mid-Argyll: population reduction noted at Taynish NNR from 12 territories in woodland CBC plot, 1993, to 7 territories in 1994. In autumn, passage migrants or dispersing birds were noted on Islay (up to 2 in Portnahaven area, Oct 11 - Nov 6) and Mull (1 Iona, Sep 21).

TREECREEPER Cerrhiafamiliaris Snaigear 1486 B W Widespread and common except Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 37% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 No significant records.

so SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus Buidheag eorpach 1508 P Rare, usually in spring. ' 1994# A singing M was on Shuna (Mid-Argyll),May 28.

JAY Garrulus glandarius Sgraicheag 1539 B W Locally distributed, mainland only. Breeding recorded in 6% of 10 km sq, mostly in Cow4 (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). All records required. 1994 As in 1993, records were received from Cowal (2 locations) and Mid-Argyll (11 locations), while 1 at Barcaldine, Apr 5 and May 13, indicated continued presence in N Argyll. A single at Braevallich, Loch Awe (Mid-Argyll),Jul23, was said to be a first local record. No evidence of breeding was supplied; there were only 3 records from the period mid-May - mid-Aug. The highest count was 3 Airds Bay, Loch Etive (Mid-Argyll),Aug 3.

MAGPIE Pica pica Cadhag 1549 R Local in Cowal, rare elsewhere. Breeding recorded in 2% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). All records required. 1994# Apart from up to 3 seen regularly at Blairmore (Cowal) throughout the year, the only confirmed report concerned a single at Oban (Mid-Argyll),Mar 29, well outside the normal breeding range.

CHOUGH Pyr~lzocoraxpyrrhocorax Cathag dhearg chasach 1559 R W Islay is the Scottish stronghold, with smaller numbers on Jura and Colonsay and a recent toehold on Mull. All records away from Islay required. 1994 Breeding. Islay: of the 70 previously occupied nest sites inspected in 1994, only 33 had prs present. Information was collected at 3 1 of these 33 sites. Eggs were laid at all 31 nests but 16 failed to produce any fledged young. The other 15 prs fledged a total of 40 young. This represents 1.02 young per nesting attempt or 2.6 per successful nest (15 nests). Most losses were of nestlings during their first week of life around the early part of May. This followed a very windy, cold and exceptionally dry period which started in April and continued throughout May. A survey of the Mull of Oa, where the number of breeding.prs had dropped from 23 to 13 between 1986 and 1992, found only 7 definitely occupied nest sites. Overall, 1994 is thought to have been the worst year for breeding Chough on Islay during the period 1981 to 1994, with only an est 50 young in total fledged [Scottish Chough Study Group]. Jura: pr nr Inver, May 14. Colonsay:at least 30 birds during Feb - Mar; breeding late with ca 10 prs attempting to breed and fledging at least 12 young. Mull: 1 pr nested unsuccessfully. The largest flock was 53 Kilchoman (Islay), Jul7.

81 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 JACKDAW Corvus monedula Cathag 1560 B W Common throughout much of Argyll, but scarce Mull and does not breed Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 40% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Immigra- tion into some areas in winter, e.g. Tiree. 1994 Breeding. Islay: 10 coastal breeding prs Rhinns survey, probably an underestimate. No other significant records.

' It ROOK Corviisfrugilegus Rocas n 1563 B W Common throughout much of Argyll, but scarce Mull and does not breed Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 25%of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). Post-breeding influx of juvs to some islands, e.g. Mull and Tiree. 1994 The largest flock reported during the early part of the year was 150 nr Loch Gorm (Islay), Jan 22. In spring, there were several records outside the normal breeding range. Islay: reports of singles in the Portnahaven area, Apr 22 and May 13-19, could all refer to the same individual. Tiree: 1 Ben Hynish, Apr 15. Breeding. There was little change from 1993 at sites which were counted in both years. Islay: 70 nests Gruinart, 51 Tigh Cargaman, Port Ellen, 23 Port Ellen distill- ery, 18 Ballygrant quarry, 8 Cornabus, and 4 Port Charlotte. Mid-Argyll: 16 nests Connel. Mull: 35 nests Iona. N Argyll: 23 nests North Connel. In autumn, the highest count was 200 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Nov 10. As in spring, birds were reported away from breeding areas on Islay (3 >W Claddach, nr Portnahaven, Oct 22) and Tiree (1 Caoles, Oct 18).

HOODED CROW Corviis corone cornix Feannag 1567 B W Widespread and common. Breeding recorded in 87% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Over 100 were culled on Colonsay during spring and the population was also ac- tively being controlled on the Rhinns (Islay). Breeding. Islay: 5 prs reared 9 young Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 25 probable territories Rhinns survey.

CARRIONCROW C c corone B W Birds are spreading gradually through Cowal into Kintyre and Mid-Argyll. Breeding recorded in 13% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 Away from the main breeding areas, birds were reported from Islay and Tiree. Islay: 7 Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Oct 26. Tiree: 1 Miodar, Mar 26. Also, breeding was recorded at Dervaig (Mull).

HOODEDx CARRION CROW hvbrid B W Breeding recorded in'll% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 82 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Away from the mainland, the only reports came from Colonsay (1 Oronsay, Apr 16) and Mull (present Dervaig, Jun 16).

RAVEN COIVUScorax Fitheach 1572 B W Common. Breeding recorded in 75% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 The highest spring count was 64 nr Oban (Mid-Argyll),Mar 17. Away from the Oban area, the highest counts were 16 Laggan Bay (Islay), Feb 14, and 15 Gleann Seilisdeir (Mull), Feb 20. Breeding was reported from Islay; Colonsay, Mid-Argyll, Mull, Tiree and Coll, with detailed surveys from Colonsay and Tiree. Colonsay: ca 12 prs bred, first clutch cl6, Mar 8. Tiree: 8 prs, 3 of which laid (av c15.3, av bl2.3). Several large flocks were recorded in autumn from Kintyre, Islay, and Mid-Argyll. Kintyre: 57 Cnoc Moy, Sep 18. Islay: over 100 entering traditional roost-site nr Bridgend, Oct 20. Mid-Argyll:an exceptionally high total of 245 at 1 site, Aug 31; 80 >W Oban, Sep 16. Several smaller flocks were recorded in Islay and Mid- Argyll, but away from these areas no other count exceeded 15 birds.

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Druid 1582 B W P Common except Mull, where localised post-breeding influx of juvs occurs. Breeding recorded in 65% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 During the early part of the year, by far the largest flock reported was 1,100 Loch Gruinart (Islay), Feb 6. Breeding. No significant records. Up to 800 roosted under Bruichladdich pier (Islay), Jul. In addition, 3 autumn.flocks of 500 birds were reported, all from islands. Islay: 500 >S Portnahaven, Oct 20. Mull: 500 Iona, Sep 9. Tiree: 500 on Aug 3.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Gealbhonn 1591 R Commonly associated with human habitation and distribution therefore rather localised in remote areas. Breeding recorded in 57% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994 No significant records.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Gealbhonn nan craobh 1598 P? Current status uncertain, but appears to have declined during last decade. Although clearly a scarce bird, it is probably under-recorded. All records required. 1994# There was only a single record: 1 Port Charlotte (Islay), Jul2 and 6. 1993 Islay: 1 Keills, Oct 19, brings the year’s total for the island to 4 records (all of single birds).

83 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Breacan beithe 1636 B W P Abundant except Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 80% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Birds commonly forage in cut hay and silage fields outwith breeding season. 1994 Few large flocks were reported early in the year, with 300 Finlaggan (Islay), Jan 11, being the highest count. Spring records on islands included 1 M Scarinish (Tiree), Mar 29. Breeding. No significant records. Large flocks were apparently scarce in autumn as in spring, the highest count being 350 Loch Ba (Mull), early Sep. Light southward passage was noted over Iona (Mull), Sep 20-22.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Bricein caorainn 1638 w P Varying numbers occur ~ep-Apr. 1994 There were records in spring from 5 sites in Islay and Mid-Argyll. Max counts for the 2 areas were 15 Finlaggan (Islay), Mar 23, and 3 Lochgilphead (Mid-Argyll), Jan 28. Last 1 M Minard (Mid-Argyll), Apr 7. All records in the second winter period were from Islay in Oct and Nov. The first returning bird was at Sunderland, Loch Gorm, Oct 13, following which 1-2 were recorded from 7 locations, mostly in mid-Oct. The largest group was 7 Claggain Bay, Oct 18.

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Glaisean daraich 1649 R W Locally common. Breeding recorded in 31% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994 During the early part of the year, the only counts exceeding 20 birds came from Colonsay: 50 regular Milbuie winter monrhs; 30 Colonsay Hotel, Apr 17. Breeding. Islay: scarce on Rhinns, with only 2 territories Rhinns survey, both in Bruichladdich. In May, singles were reported from Jura (1 Craighouse, May 4) and Tiree (1 on May 20), where breeding was not recorded during 1988-91 (BTO Atlas). In autumn, probable passage migrants were reported from Islay (6 Port Wemyss, Oct 13, and 1 on Oct 20) and Mull (2 Iona, Sep 22).

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Lasair choille 1653 B W P Localised distribution. Absent as a breeding species from Colonsay, Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 32% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Some emigration in autumn. 1994 The highest spring count was 20 Loch Skerrols (Islay), May 9. No other count exceeded 10 birds. Also in May, presumed passage migrants were noted on Tiree: 2 Kenovay, May 6; 3 on May 13. Breeding. Islay: only 2 records Rhinns survey. A few flocks of 10 or more birds were recorded during Sep and Oct. Islay: 10 nr

84 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Portnahaven, Oct 15; 15 nr Port Charlotte, Oct 16; 14Ardnave, Oct 27. Mid-Argyll: 20 Oban, Sep 5.

SISKIN Carduelis spinus Gealag bhuidhe 1654 B W P Numbers fluctuate from year to year, but the breeding population has clearly increased as a consequence of coniferous afforestation. Absent as a breeding species from Tiree and Coll. Breeding recorded in 54% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 During the early part of the year, the highest count was 100 Carrick Castle (Cowal), Mar 18. Except for 40 Claggain Bay (Islay), Jan 2, all other reported flocks held fewer than 40 birds. Breeding. No significant records. Birds appeared to be relatively scarce in autumn, with only 1count attaining 40 birds: 40 Dubh Loch, nr Inveraray (Mid-Argyll), Oct 2. Passage was observed during the latter half of Sep in Kintyre (18 >S Machrihanish SBO, Sep 22) and Islay (max 16 Portnahaven area, Sep 25).

LINNET Carduelis cannabina Gealan lin 1660 B W P Localised distribution. Breeding recorded in 37% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Flocking in autumn and winter. 1994 The only high counts during the first winter period came from Islay: 100 flying in to roost among crags Kilchoman, Jan 2; max 110 Loch Gruinart, Feb 2. No other location held more than 20 birds. Breeding. Islay: 7 1 prs Rhinns survey, excluding birds inside forestry boundaries. A few post-breeding flocks lager than 20 birds were reported from late Aug onwards. Kintyre: 70 Tayinloan,Aug 23. Islay: 40 Laggan, Oct 17; 100 Lyrabus, head of Loch hdaal, Oct 19. Colonsay: 3 flocks totalling 135 on Aug 29.

TWITE Carduelis javirostris Gealan beinne 1662 B W P Localised breeding species on hill ground and coastal moorland, especially on the islands. Breeding recorded in 36% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Flock- ing in low-lying arable and coastal areas, Aug onwards. Some evidence to suggest emigration from Argyll in autumn, although there may also be an influx of wintering birds to some areas. 1994 As in 1993, the highest counts during Jan - Mar came from Islay: max 80 Ardnave, Jan 1; up to 110 Loch Gruinart, Feb. No other count exceeded 40 birds, and many areas seemed to hold very few birds. Breeding. Islay: est 46 prs Rhinns survey (but population difficult to assess), with territories predominantly on the coast and inland rocky outcrops. Colonsay: 28 prs located. More flocks were recorded in the second winter period, with’ counts of 40 or more from several areas. Kintyre: max 50 Machrihanish SBO, Aug 30. Islay: 60 Sanaigmore, Sep 14; 50 Ardnave Pt, Oct 2; 100 Risabus, The Oa, Oct 12; 50 Rubha

85 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 na Faing, Oct 23, and 70 on Nov 5; 70 Loch Gruinart, Nov 5, Mull: 400 Iona, Sep 22. Tiree: 40 Sandaig, Sep 26, including a leucistic bird. Coll: up to 40 RSPB reserve, Dec.

REDPOLL Carduelis flammea Dearcan seilich 1663 B W P Localised distribution, mainly associated with birchwoods and young conifer plantations. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, but breeding population has probably increased as a consequence of coniferous afforestation. Breeding recorded in 41% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Flocking occurs in autumn and winter. 1994 Very few flocks were reported. The highest count in the early part of the year was 16 Kilbride Bay (Cowal), Jan 15. Breeding. Islay: records from 7 separate locations Rhinns survey, mostly near forestry edge; this is further evidence of the colonisation of this area first reported in 1993. Mid-Argyll: reported as extremely abundant Shuna, late May. The only flock reported in autumn was 20 Taynish (Mid-Argyll), Sep 14.

COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostru Cam ghob 1666 B W Numbers and distribution vary depending on abundance of conifer cone crops. Highly irruptive species with large flocks sometimes moving to locate a new seed area, usually in summer. Breeding recorded in 16% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988- 91). 1994# As in 1993, singles and small groups were recorded from several areas, Jan - Jun, but there were no confirmed breeding records. Kintyre: 2 nr Skipness,Apr 17. Colonsay: 1 Colonsay House Gardens, Feb 21. Mid-Argyll: several small flocks Kilmichael Forest, Jan 17; 1 M Bealach Mor, nr head of Loch Craignish, Apr 16; 3 Inveraray, May 11. Mull: 1 M Glengorm, nr Dervaig, Jun 13. N Argyll: at least 1 Doire Darach, nr Loch Tulla, May 15. There were a further 3 records in Jul and Aug, but none subsequently. Islay: 5 (2 prs and 1 juv) Easter Ellister, Jul31, appears to be the first ever record for the southern Rhinns. Mull: 11 Tiroran, Loch Scridain, Jul 19. N Argyll: 2 juvs Barcaldine, Aug 8.

COMMON ROSEFINCH Curpoducus erytlzriizus 1679 V noArgyll records, in 1989 and 1990. 1994# A singing M was at Colonsay House Gardens (Colonsay), Jun 11-21, with a probable second singing bird there, Jun 11.

BULLFINCH Pyrrlzulu pyrrhulu Corcan-coille 1710 B W Locally common. Absent from Tiree and Coll and irregular on Gigha and Colonsay. Breeding recorded in 35% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). 1994 There was an interesting series of records from Coma1 during the early part of the 86 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 year. Cowal: 70 feeding in birch, Glenbranter, Jan 3, is the largest flock recorded in Argyll since at least 1980; 35 feeding in heather, Glen Finart, above Ardentinny, Jan 5, with several lesser counts of 15-20 in the same area, Jan 6 - Feb 28. Elsewhere, the highest count was only 6 birds. Breeding. Mull: 1 Loch Poit na h-I, Jun 6, was outside the known breeding range in 1988-91 (BTO Atlas). In autumn, 14 Bridgend (Islay), Oct 25, was by far the highest count. No other count exceeded 6 birds.

SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Gealag an t-sneachda 1850 B? W P Has bred N Argyll in recent years. Varying numbers on passage and in winter. 1994 Singles and small parties were reported from 3 areas, Jan -Apr. Islay: 2 Loch Gruinart, Feb 23; 1Ardnave, Mar 3. Cowal:. 1 Glenbranter, Jan 3; at least 4 >NW Cruach nam Mult, ns Lochgoilhead, Mar 25. Mid-Argyll: 1 Sior Loch, nr Loch Nant, Apr 9. Breeding. There were no summer records from potential breeding areas. In autumn, the first single was at Saligo Bay (Islay) on the early date of Sep 15. Other records came from Islay and Mid-Argyll. Islay: an exceptionally large flock of 70 Ardnave, Nov 4; 4 other records, Oct - Dec, none involving more than 2 birds. Mid-Argyll: 22 Meall nan Gabhas, nr Ben Lui, Oct 24.

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Buidheag bhealaidh 1857 B W Localised breeding species found in dry open ground, arable areas and moorland edges. Breeding recorded in 46% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Birds forage in cut hay and silage fields outwith breeding season. Population may be in decline and all records are welcome. 1994 A roosting flock of 40 Aros Moss (Kintyre), Feb 18, is the largest in Argyll since 1981. There was a sprinkling of other spring records throughout Argyll. Kintyre: 2 Carradale, Apr 17. Islay: 1 Loch Gruinart, Jan 6; 2 Portnahaven, Feb 1. Cowal: 4 Kilbride Bay, Jan 15. Mid-Argyll: up to 10 Kilmichael of Inverlussa, Jan - Feb; 1M Barr Mor, Seil, Apr 28. N Argyll: up to 6 in a North Connel garden, Jan - Mar. Breeding. Birds were recorded in 3 areas during May - Jul. Islay: 1 M Coultorsay, May 24; 2 Bunnahabhainn, Jun 3; pr bred Kilchiaran. Jura: pr Lagg, May 4; 1 M Inver Cottage, nr Feolin, May 14; a total of 13 at 11 sites along the N shore of Loch Tarbert, Jul29. Mull: 1 M Croig, Jun 13; 2 MM Burg, Loch Scridain, Jun 23; 1 F Tavool House, Loch Scridain, Jun 23. Most records during Sep - Dec concerned singles. Gigha: 3 Druimyeon More, Oct 26. Islay: singles at 4 sites, mid-Oct - mid-Nov; 3 Lyrabus, head of Loch Indaal, Oct 19. Mid-Argyll: 1 F Dunstafhage, Oct 27. Mull: 1 Kilninian, Loch Tuath, early Sep.

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Gealag loin 1877 B W Locally common in farmland, scrub and young conifer plantations. Breeding

87 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 recorded in 56% of 10 km sq (BTO Atlas, 1988-91). Small flocks sometimes gather outwith the breeding season. 1994 A few flocks were noted during the early part of the year. Kintyre: up to 10 Machrihanish SBO, Jan - Mar. Islay: 17 Kintra, Laggan Bay, Feb 12; max 30 Loch Gruinart, Mar 7. Breeding. Islay: 5 prs Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve; 72 prs Rhinns survey, mainly in damp moorland scrub or in reeds and long vegetation around areas of fresh water. Colonsay: 9 prs (cf7 in 1993). No count during Sep - Dec exceeded 10 birds.

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza rnelattocephala 1881 V No occurrences in Argyll prior to 1958 but 3 records between 1968 and 1989, all of single MM in May or Jun. 1993 AM was in a garden at Bruichladdich (Islay), Jun 7 - Ju14 [M Perrons, MA Ogilvie et al.] (accepted BBRC).

CORN BUNTING Miliaria calandra Gealag bhuathair 882 R Declining resident species which is facing extinction in Argyll. Recent breeding on Tiree only. 1994 Singles and prs were reported from ca 9 sites on Tiree, mid-Apr - mid-Jun, with a further 2 sightings in Aug. The only other record was of 1 in a mixed finch flock Druimyeon More (Gigha), Oct 26.

CATEGORY D SPECIES AND ESCAPES

BLACK SWAN Cygiiits atratus Escape (range Auskka, with introduced population New Zealand). 1994 A single, sometimes accompanying Mute Swans, was regularly seen between early Jul and mid-Oct in and around Dunstaffnage (Mid-Argyll) and Loch Etive (N Argyll).

ZEBRA FINCH Poephila girtrara Escape (range Australia and Lesser Sundas). 1994 A single was found dead in a Blainnore (Cowal) garden, May 29.

RED-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza bnrniceps 1880 Category D1. A common cage bird but breeds Central Asia and Kazakhstan and may

88 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 occur as a genuine vagrant. The vast majority of British records are of adult males, most occurring between mid-May and mid-Jun. 1994# A M Arnabost Farm (Coll), Jun 16-17, was the eighth recent record for Argyll and . follows 1 on Iona (Mull) in Jun 1993.

LIST OF REJECTED RECORDS, PENDING RECORDS AND RECORDS FOR WHICH DETAILS ARE STILL AWAITED

Please note that the records below are listed for information purposes only, and do not form part of the data set for the years in question. The following records of species on the ABRC, SBRC or BBRC lists have been rejected since the publication of the Tenth Argyll Bird Report:

Cory’s Shearwater , Islay 24/08/89 (SBRC) Cory’s Shearwater Islay 04/09/94 (SBRC) Mediterranean Shearwater Col1 12/06/94 (SBRC) King Eider Mull 02/05/94 (BBRC) Goshawk Islay 24/11/94 (ABRC) Cream-coloured Courser Colonsay 17/10/93 (BBRC) Semipalmated Sandpiper Tiree 07/05/94 (BBRC) Long-tailed Skua Mull 05/08/94 (ABRC) Gull-billed Tern Islay 06/08/93 (BBRC) Roseate Tern Colonsay 23/08/89 (SBRC) Roseate Tern (2) Islay 26/08/89 (SBRC) Roseate Tern Gigha 26/08/89 (SBRC) Little Owl Mid-Argyll 12/09/94 (ABRC) Firecrest Kintyre 23/07/89 (ABRC)

It should be noted that the majority of these records were rejected not because the committee in question was convinced that a mistake had been made, but because the evidence provided was considered to be insufficient to fully establish the identification.

The following records of species on the BBRC, SBRC or ABRC lists are currently in circulation or about to be circulated around the relevant committees:

Cory’s Shearwater (3) Kintyre 28/08/92 (SBRC) Great Shearwater (2) Kintyre 21/09/93 (SBRC) Great Shearwater (5) Kintyre 09/09/94 (SBRC) Med. Shearwater (2) Kintyre 19/08/94 (SBRC) Med. Shearwater (4) Kintyre 09/09/94 (SBRC)

89 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 Med. Shearwater (2) Kintyre 11/09/94 (SBRC) Little Shearwater Islay 22/08/89 (BBRC) Little Shearwater (3) Islay 25/08/89 (BBRC) Wilson’s Petrel Islay 2 1/08/89 (BBRC) Wilson’s Petrel Islay 26/08/89 (BBRC) Long-tailed Skua Kintyre 28/08/94 (ABRC) Long-tailed Skua Kintyre 27/09/94 (ABRC) Long-tailed Skua (4) Kintyre 28/09/94 (ABRC) Long-tailed Skua Kintyre 29/09/94 (ABRC) Ring-billed Gull (or hybrid) N Argyll 05/07/94 (SBRC) Bridled Tern Tiree 30106 - 09/07/94 (BBRC) Bee-eater Islay 03/07/85 (BBRC) Red-backed Shrike N Argyll 05/07/94 (ABRC)

Details of the following 1994 records of species on the BBRC, SBRC and ABRC lists have not been received:

Goshawk Mid-Argyll 11/05/94 Rough-legged Buzzard Mid-Argyll 17/03/94 Mediterranean Gull Islay 21/08/94 “Yellow-legged” Gull Kintyre 0 1/04/94 Roseate Tern Kintyre 27/07/94 Short-toed Lark Islay 27/11/94 Red-rumped Swallow Col1 26/05/94 Bluethroat Col1 16/05/94 Reed Warbler Col1 ??/05/94 Lesser Whitethroat Islay 28/05/94

Anyone who saw any of these birds is encouraged to send in details. These records will not be referred to again in future reports unless details have by then been for- warded to BBRC or SBRC.

90 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1994 BIBLIOGRAPHY

British Ornithologists’ Union (1992) Checklist of Birds of Britain and Ireland (6th edition). British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring. Gibbons D W, Reid J B, Chapman R A (1993) The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-91. T & A D Poyser, London. (Referred to in the text as “BTO Atlas, 1988-91”.), Howard R, Moore A (1991) A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World (2nd edition). Academic Press, London. Johnston R, Riley H T, Shepherd M (1994) A 1994 survey of breeding waders on the Tireeproposed Special Protection Area IproposedRAMSAR site. Internal SNH report. Maguire E (1995) Machrihanish Seabird Observatory 1994 Report. Kintyre Bird Club. (Obtainable from: Machrihanish Seabird Observatory, Lossit Park, Machrihanish, Argyll PA28 6PZ.) Sharrock J T R (1976) The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. T & AD Poyser, Berkhamsted. (Referred to in the text as “BTO Atlas, 1968-72”.) Stanbury A, Campbell S (1994) Survey of the breeding waders and other species on the Rhinns of Islay. Unpublished report to RSPB. Stroud, D A (Ed) (1989) The Birds of Col1 and Tir-ee:status, habitats and conseivation. Nature Conservancy Council/Scottish Ornithologists’ Club.

91 Argyll Bird Report (1995) 11: 92-94 Little Ringed Plover on Islay, 16 May 1983 - the sole Argyll record J C B Shufes Gildencroft, 56 Nonvich Road, Horsham St Faith, Nonvich NRI 0 3AE T ap Rheinallt 19 Shore Street, Port Wemyss, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA47 7ST

INTRODUCTION A record of a Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius “watched at close range on Mull of Oa”, Islay, 16 May 1983, appeared in the First Argyll Bird Report. The same record, accompanied by the observer’s initials (JCBS), was published in the 1983 Scottish Bird Report. In 1994, an informal review of the status of Argyll’s birds by TapRh failed to locate any occurrences of Little Ringed Plover other than the 1983 Islay bird. However, the omission of this record from Elliott (1989) and Ogilvie (1992)seemed to raise doubts about its validity, and these were reinforced by the absence of any reference to the sighting in the Islay Field Centre’s files (MA Ogilvie, pers comm). With the aid of an address in the Argyll Bird Recorder’s files from 1983,TapRhmade contact with JCBS, who confirmed that the omission of the record from Elliott (1989) had simply been an oversight (the late R E Elliott in litt to JCBS). The aim of this short note is to clarify the status of the record and to consider the possibility of further occurrences of Little Ringed Plover in Argyll.

DETAILS OF THE RECORD On 16 May 1983,JCBS found a “ringed” plover at the American Monument car park on the Mull of Oa, Islay (NR 281422). As the bird took off, the lack of wingbars was noticeable, arousing his suspicions as to its identity. Fortunately,the bird then remained in the vicinity of the car park -which had recently been surfaced with granite chips -for about an hour, giving JCBS ample opportunity to confirm his initial tentative identification. The confiding nature of the bird permitted a series of photographs to be taken with a 300 mm telephoto lens. These photographs (see Plate on p. 93) show the key distinguishing features, as follows: 1. Prominent yellow eye-ring. 2. Relatively slender, largely dark bill. 3. Rather dull, pinkish legs.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER ON ISLAY STATUS OF LITTLE RINGED PLOVER IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND Thom (1986) summarised the status of Little Ringed Plover in Scotland up to 1983. Prior to 1965 there were only three records, but occurrences became more frequent in the late 1960s, and breeding was confirmed in Lanark in 1968. Since then, Little Ringed Plover has been recorded widely and with increasing frequency in Scotland. It is now more or less annual in the Clyde and Ayrshire recording areas, while attempted breeding was recorded in Dumfriesshire in 1992 and 1993 (Mearns 1995). However, it remains very scarce elsewhere in the western half of Scotland. In fact, apart from the Islay bird above and another at the Endrick Mouth (Loch Lomond) on 17 April 1977, there appear to be no records from western Scotland north! of the Central Lowlands. It would therefore be optimistic to assert that a second Argyll record of Little Ringed Plover is likely in the immediate future. Nevertheless, the pattern of past Scottish records suggests that anyone determined to find this species in Argyll should concentrate on the south of the county in late April or May.

REFERENCES Elliott R E (1989) Birds of Islay. Christopher Helm, London. Mearns R (1995) Little Ringed Plover attempt breeding in Dumfriesshire. Scottish Birds 18: 55. Ogilvie M (1992) The Birds ofZsIay. Lochindaal Press, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay. Thom V M (1986) Birds in Scotland. T &ADPoyser, Calton.

94 Argyll Bird Report (1995) 11: 95-97 Productivity of divers nesting on artificial rafts in Argyll

David Merrie Strathyre, Balmore Rd, Bardowie, Glasgow G62 6ES This note summarises the results of a long-term project undertaken in a section of hill country east of the south end of Loch Awe. Its aim was to study the effects of providing artificialrafts for small populations of breeding divers, both Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata and Black-throated Diver G. arctica. Preliminary studies, starting in 1973, showed that there were no islands suitable for nesting divers in this area, except in one loch, and that breeding success was very low. Rafts were provided from 1976 to 1994. During this period the number of summering pairs of Red-throated Divers varied from two to six and the number of rafts available to them varied from one to six. The number of summering pairs of Black-throated Divers varied from none to two and the number of rafts available to them varied from one to two. In 1976 one raft was provided for each species on lochs where they had previously tried to nest on the shore. In 1979 and 1980 additional rafts were provided, bringing the total to eight. Two of these were in exposed positions and were never used by divers. They disintegrated after eight to nine years and were not replaced. Two other rafts disintegrated after twelve to thirteen years and were replaced by smaller rafts. The change in size from 2 x 3 metres to 1.5 x 1.5 metres seemed not to affect the attractiveness of the rafts to breeding divers. There were 42 instances of a Red-throated Diver pair nesting on a raft, and seven of a Black-throated Diver pair nesting on a raft. On lochs where rafts were available, there were only two occasions when a diver (Red-throated) used a natural nest-site. There were six instances when no nest was recorded for a summering diver pair. From 1973 to 1994, the productivity of Red-throated Divers without rafts (nesting on the shore) was two chicks from 22 summering pairs; by contrast, there were 29 chicks from 42 occasions when Red-throated Divers nested on rafts. There were no recorded instances of Black-throated Divers nesting on the shore; there were two chicks from seven occasions when Black-throated Divers nested on rafts. The Table gives the year-by-year history of the project. The 1994 season was a poor one. Only two pairs of Red-throated Divers and one pair of Black-throated Divers nested and none of these produced any fledged young. One of the Red-throated Divers deserted during incubation. The other pair hatched two young which subsequently disappeared.At the same time an adult Red-throated Diver was found partly eaten at the lochside, while two adults were attending the two small young on the loch. This pair subsequently relaid but the eggs were deserted and were found to contain three-quarters-grown embryos. By the beginning of July 1994, all the hill lochs in the area were empty of breeding

95 PRODUCTIVITY OF DIVERS NESTING ON ARTIFICIAL RAmS water birds seen earlier in the season, namely 'lhfted Ducks Aythya fuligula, Red- breasted Mergansers Mergus serrator and Common Gulls Larus canus. Could it be that North American mink Mustela vison are now affecting the hill loch birds in this area, or is there some other reason for this universal failure in 1994? Papers containing the full results of this long-term project, and a discussion of its relevance in improving the productivity of this small population of divers, will be published elsewhere in due course.

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97 Argyll Bird Report (1995) 11: 98-101 Birds recorded in the area around Ledaig Point, near Oban, in the years 1982-1994

A R Jennings I Ferryfield Drive, Connel, Oban, Argyll PA37 ISP x

INTRODUCTION Every birdwatcher has a favourite “patch”, an area visited at regular intervals throughout the year. Ledaig Point and its environs is such a place. This article records the birds seen there by me during the twelve years 1982-1994. METHODS Ledaig Point (grid ref. NM9034) lies at the mouth of Loch Etive, about six kilometres north-east of Oban and just over a kilometre west of Connel Bridge. It is a strip of sand and shingle about a kilometre long projecting into Ardmucknish Bay at the north end of the Firth of Lorn. The strip is completely submerged at high water. The area covered in this survey was bounded on the south by the coastline between Connel Bridge and Ledaig Point and on the east by the A828 road just north of Connel Bridge. To the north, adjacent to the road, is North Ledaig Caravan Site, near which is a large sand and gravel quarry and the disused Oban-Fort William railway, now overgrown with scrub. Between the road and Ardmucknish Bay at the southern end of the area is a small residential estate overlooking a football pitch and Connel airfield. The land between the airfield and the beach is covered with a mixture of gorse, bramble, raspberry and rough grass with small areas of knapweed. There are a few stunted hawthorn trees. Between the road and South Ledaig is a small wood of beech and conifers, and there is another belt of woodland alongside the road at North Ledaig. Visits were made from 1982 to 1994, usually about once every ten days but sometimes more often, especially at migration times. Times of day and routes varied. Detailed counts, although not given here, were recorded for various nationwide investigations, such as BTO Atlas surveys (both winter and breeding birds), RSPB beached bird surveys, and wader passage. RESULTS The results of this work are shown in the Tables. Table 1 gives the species recorded throughout the year. Table 2 gives the species that were recorded seasonally or for part of the year, but not necessarily every year. Table 3 gives the species that were recorded in only one of the twelve years. DISCUSSION The results contain several interesting features with regard to certain species which will now be considered.

98 BIRDS AT LEDAIG POINT Red-throated Divers were never seen in February or May, and Slavonian Grebes, although usually present in the winter months, were by no means annual visitors. Little Auks, as might have been expected, were recorded only at times of “wrecks”. The mainland of west Scotland is not generally a favoured haunt of waders, (although there are notable exceptions) so it is perhaps not surprising that relatively few wader species were recorded. Golden Plover occurred in small numbers in some years but were present only briefly. Grey Plover were seen only in 1989 and 1990, Sanderling only in 1988 and 1989. Knot, on the other hand, were regular at the Point during July, August and September but less so in the early months of the year. Small flocks of 10- 20 Purple Sandpiper were regular from November to April between 1982 and 1988 but I have not recorded them there since then. Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Curlew were all present throughout the year and Turnstone were usually present in all months except June. Lapwing were not recorded in December. Common Sandpiper were present during their spring and autumn movements. Short-eared Owls were recorded in only three of the twelve years. They were seen hunting over the airstrip and adjacent rough ground, usually single birds whichstayed around for ten to twelve days. Sand Martins were present every summer as there was a large colony (30-100 holes) at the sand quarry in most years. White Wagtails were regular on passage, especially in spring, usually in ones and twos, but sometimes six or eight were present on the coastal strip. Meadow and Rock Pipits were always present and there was a regular movement of Meadow Pipits through the area in autumn. Linnets bred in the area in summer but were absent in winter when they were replaced by Twite, which fed on the shoreline sometimes in flocks of fifty or more. Small numbers of Snow Bunting, only two or three birds, were recorded for brief periods of one or two days in January and February during severe weather, and only in three of the twelve years. There were anumber of changes to the habitat during the study period but it is difficult to quantify their effects on the birdlife. The changes included a major upgrading of the A828, which now runs along part of the old railway. In recent years there has been increased use of the airstrip and clearing of scrub at the airfield periphery. The caravan site has expanded considerably. The sand and gravel quarry has been enlarged, increasing the disturbance of the area. Finally, there has been greatly increased activity in Ardmucknish Bay because of fishfarming and recreational interests. SUMMARY 109 bird species were recorded in the twelve years 1982-1994 in the area of Ledaig Point, six kilometres north-east of Oban, Argyll.

99 BIRDS AT LEDAIG POINT Table I. Bird species recorded at Ledaig Point throughout the year

Cormorant Herring Gull Coal Tit Shag G B B Gull Blue Tit Grey Heron Black Guillemot Great Tit Mute Swan Collared Dove Treecreeper Mallard Meadow Pipit Jackdaw Eider Rock Pipit Rook R-b Merganser Grey Wagtail Hooded Crow Sparrowhawk Pied Wagtail Raven Buzzard Wren Starling Oystercatcher Dunnock House Sparrow Ringed Plover Robin Chaffinch Dunlin Blackbird Greenfinch Curlew Song Thrush Goldfinch B-h Gull Goldcrest Yellowhammer Common Gull Long-tailed Tit

Table II. Bird species recorded seasonally or longer (not always annually)

Red-throated Diver No records in February or May Great Northern Diver October to April Little Grebe September to January Slavonian Grebe October to February, not every year Whooper Swan October to February, four years only Wigeon September to March Goldeneye September to March Hen Harrier March to September, not every year Kestrel September to March Peregrine July to September, December to March Golden Plover February & August-September, not annual Grey Plover January & September, 1989-90 only Lapwing Not recorded in December Knot January to April & July to September Sanderling Dec-Jan & July-Aug, 1988-89 only Purple Sandpiper November to April, not after 1988 Redshank April to September Common Sandpiper April & July-August Turnstone All months except June Lesser Black-backed Gull Not recorded December to February Common Tern May to August, but not in 1994 Arctic Tern May to August, but not in 1994 Common Guillemot December to March Razorbill December to February

100 BIRDS AT LEDAIG POINT Little Auk January & March, three years only Cuckoo April to June Short-eared Owl January & Aug-Sept, three years only Skylark Not recorded November to February Sand Martin April to September Swallow April to September Tree Pipit April to September White Wagtail April-May & September Dipper October to March Whinchat May to September Wheatear March to October Fieldfare October to March Redwing October to March Mistle Thrush August-September Whitethroat May to August Blackcap ’ May to October Willow Warbler April to August Spotted Flycatcher May to August Brambling October to February, most years Siskin October to April Linnet April to September Twite August to April Redpoll Not recorded May to October Snow Bunting January & February, three years only Reed Bunting December to March, not every year

Table III. Bird species recorded in only one year

Great-crested Grebe January-February 1991 Canada Goose March 1990 Brent Goose (pale-bellied) May 1986 Shelduck April 1988 Teal April 1987 Pochard December 1990 Tufted Duck . November 1987 Golden Eagle February 1986 Snipe August 1987 Jack Snipe November 1989 Black-tailed Godwit July-August 1991 Bar-tailed Godwit September 1990 Great Skua June 1990 Little Gull July 1991 Glaucous Gull January-February 1991 Sedge Warbler August 1987

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